Europe centre stage!
After six wins from their six competitive outings of the season so far, Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to make their UEFA Champions League group stage entrance against Liverpool at Anfield (kick-off 21:00CEST) on Tuesday.
Champions League 2018-2019, here we come! After disposing of Saint-Etienne 4-0 to maintain their 100% opening to their domestic season, Paris Saint-Germain are about to start their European challenge in club football's premier competition. First up, Liverpool and their legendary Anfield.
"We have won by showing we have a thirst for victory," Thomas Tuchel told PSG TV after Friday's league win. "That's important because, at Anfield, I don't know if it'll be important to be good tactically or show the confidence we have in us. It's a big test, we're confident."
The game will see the German coach meet compatriot Jürgen Klopp, the man he replaced as boss of Borussia Dortmund in summer 2015. "I think the Liverpool players will be very focussed, because their coach has shown he knows how to motivate his teams," Julian Draxler explained. "It'll be a very tough game. As for us, some players were rested against Saint-Etienne and will be at 100% against Liverpool. The team and the whole club are very happy to be able to play this big game."
It certainly will be a great occasion contested by two teams who have made perfect starts to their league campaigns, and who both beat the Champions League goals record in last season's group stage (25 for Paris, 23 for Liverpool). Last season's runners-up, the English side will be seeking to extend their unbeaten run at home in European competition to 16 games (11 wins, 5 draws).
"It's a fantastic game for everyone to play," said Juan Bernat, who could make his UEFA Champions League debut for Paris. "It won't be easy as Liverpool are a great team. They showed that last season by reaching the final. We'll do everything to win the game, starting by resting and then preparing well to give ourselves the best possible chance."
It will be Paris' second game at Anfield. The first came 21 years ago when the capital club, who had won the semi-final first leg 3-0 at the Parc des Princes, sealed their place in the European Cup Winners' Cup final in England. A good omen? We'll find out at around 23:00CEST on Tuesday.