Paris vs Atlético: face to face
Ahead of their very first competitive clash with Atlético de Madrid at 21:00 CET tomorrow (Matchday 4 of the league phase of the 2024–2025 UEFA Champions League) at the Parc des Princes, let’s take a closer look at Paris Saint-Germain’s next fixture. Whether it’s through both teams’ league positions, their current form or their players to watch, here’s an overview of what awaits Les Rouge et Bleu against Atléti.
A LOOK AT THE TABLE
Los Colchoneros made an ideal start to their current European campaign with a late 2-1 win over RB Leipzig at the Estadio Metropolitano on Matchday 1, but things quickly took a turn for the worse for Atleti, who were thrashed 4-0 by Benfica on Matchday 2 and then beaten 3-1 at home by a ruthless Lille side on Matchday 3. The Spaniards currently find themselves 27th in the Champions League table with three points, leaving them with very little time in which to get further points on the board.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain also began their league phase in perfect fashion with a similarly tense 1-0 victory over Girona. The capital club then fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal, who were simply the more clinical team on the night, before being held to a 1-1 draw at home to a solid PSV Eindhoven side in their most recent European outing. With a total of four points under their belt, Luis Enrique's men sit in 19th place in the table and will also be looking to get back to winning ways on the continent.
both teams' current form in numbers
the opposition's strengths
Diego Simeone mainly sets his side up in a 4-4-2 formation. In goal, Atléti stalwart Jan Oblak is the obvious choice. Barring any surprises, it will be his 88th Champions League appearance for Atlético and he remains world class in his position, relegating Argentinian international Juan Musso to the role of understudy. In central defence, the Spanish side have to contend with a host of absentees: suspended against the Parisians, José María Giménez will not feature, nor will the injured César Azpilicueta and Robin Le Normand.
The experienced Axel Witsel (84 Champions League appearances) will most likely accompany French international Clément Lenglet at the back. Argentinian world champion Nahuel Molina is expected to start at right-back, while former Lille man Reinildo could be preferred to Javi Galán on the left side of the defence. In midfield, England international Conor Gallagher could start alongside iconic captain Koke (653 games for Atlético, including 98 in the Champions League), while 21-year-old Pablo Barrios is expected to start on the bench.
With Marcos Llorente missing through injury, Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul could start on the right side of midfield. Simeone has several options on the left, including the versatile Julián Alvarez (6 goals and 1 assist in all competitions this season), who is used to playing up front but could fill the gap left by France international Thomas Lemar. However, if the former Manchester City striker starts up front, then Samuel Lino, will start on the left.
The attacking duo could be completed by Antoine Griezmann (4 goals, 5 assists), unless the Atléti coaching staff prefer to start striker Alexander Sørloth (4 goals, 2 assists), who has made an excellent start to the season alongside the French international. In any case, Los Colchoneros will not be short of attacking options, as another Argentinian international in Ángel Correa is also expected to provide an option from the bench.
Paris Saint-Germain know that they will have to put in a top-class performance if they are to overcome the Madrid oufit.
