Quick Navigation
The new era has started in the UEFA Champions League. The 2024-2025 Champions League will be played in a new format. Instead of the traditional group stage with 36 teams, this season features 36 teams in a single league, each playing eight matches against different opponents. To know more about the new format of the UEFA Champions League, read our detailed explanation here.
According to the new format, Paris Saint Germain will play against eight teams in the League Phase. However, the French club will have to go through one of the most challenging campaigns in its UEFA Champions League history as they will face off against several European giants. Today, we will discuss PSG’s upcoming journey in the Champions League.
The Pressure of Expectations
Since Nasser Al Khelaifi took over PSG, they have been trying for the Champions League glory. Paris Saint Germain are yet to win a single European trophy, and for this, the club has spent over a billion dollars to make the team stronger.
They had brought Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr, Edinson Cavani. Moreover, Nasser Al Khelaifi also signed Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos in the same transfer window. Despite having Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, and Ramos in the same team, Paris Saint Germain failed to win the Champions League.
However, this time is different for the PSG as they will play without the big names. Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Ramos had left the club, while they also failed to keep Kylian Mbappe after tons of drama. But the expectations are still high for the PSG. With matchups against European powerhouses in the new format of the UCL, how far can Luis Enrique take PSG in the new season?
Who Are The Opponents
According to the new format, each club will play against eight teams in the league phase. Paris Saint Germain, placed in Pot 1, gets the most difficult teams, such as Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and more. Girona, PSV, Salzburg, and Stuttgart are comparatively the weaker sides they will face.
Since the top eight teams in the league phase will directly qualify for the Round of 16, PSG have to do well against the European Elites. Manchester City have been one of the best teams in recent years under Pep Guardiola, winning the treble in 2023. Paris Saint Germain will play against Man City at Parc des Princes.
The French club will also meet with another English club, Arsenal. While Arsenal had been out of the UCL for a long time, they have become Manchester City’s closest rivals. Anyway, Arsenal qualified for the new format of the UCL and they can be a great threat to PSG at Emirates Stadium.
But the most difficult match for Paris Saint Germain in the League Phase would be against Bayern Munich. The German giant will welcome PSG at Allianz Arena in their second game. Bayern Munich are one of the heavyweight candidates in the Champions League and can destroy PSG with the home advantage.
Another tough opponent for PSG is Atletico Madrid, although PSG will play against them at their home ground. Atletico Madrid are famous for their defensive playing style. It will be no surprise if the Simeone boys defeat PSG at Parc des Princes.
These four games will be very crucial for Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League. Losses will see PSG eliminated from the league phase as every point counts.
