PSG hosts Atletico Madrid at Parc des Princes as Two of Europe’s tactical masterminds, Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone, meet on the Champions League stage.
This fixture promises an intense, strategic battle as both sides seek to rebound in Europe following unsteady starts in the 2024/25 league phase.
While PSG holds a narrow edge as Ligue 1’s frontrunners, Atletico arrives with grit and determination to break their recent losing streak in the Champions League.
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Match Details: PSG vs Atletico Madrid
- Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Location: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
- Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
- VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (Poland)
Fans in the UK can tune in via TNT Sports 5 or discovery+, while US viewers can catch the action on Paramount+. Canadian fans can watch on DAZN.
PSG’s Champions League Performance and Recent Form
Luis Enrique’s PSG started the Champions League with a promising win over Girona but has since stumbled, with a draw against PSV Eindhoven and a loss to Arsenal.
Domestically, PSG has shown strong form, posting decisive wins against Marseille (3-0) and Lens (1-0), cementing their lead in Ligue 1. Enrique’s mix of young talents and seasoned players has largely excelled in France, but European success remains elusive.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s regular goalkeeper, was recently dropped in favor of Matvei Safonov, who secured a clean sheet against Lens.
Safonov may retain his position for this clash. Upfront, with Goncalo Ramos out due to injury, Enrique is expected to start Marco Asensio centrally, supported by French wingers Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele. Both wingers impressed in PSG’s recent domestic fixtures, combining pace with clinical finishing.
Atletico Madrid’s Champions League Struggles and Domestic Form
Atletico Madrid, traditionally one of the most resilient teams in Europe, has had a tough start to this Champions League season.
Simeone’s side sits in a precarious position after consecutive losses to Benfica and Lille, creating a sense of urgency heading into this match.
Despite their troubles in Europe, Atletico is faring well in La Liga, securing a solid 2-0 victory over Las Palmas on Sunday to maintain their place near the top of the table.
Pablo Barrios, recently returned from injury, showed promise alongside Koke in midfield against Las Palmas. While injuries continue to affect Atletico’s lineup, including Cesar Azpilicueta, Robin Le Normand, and the versatile Marcos Llorente, the squad still has formidable options.
Alexander Sorloth, who scored against Las Palmas, will compete for a starting position with Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa. The veteran Antoine Griezmann is expected to lead the attack with his combination of experience and tactical awareness.
Predicted Lineups
PSG Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Safonov
- Defenders: Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes
- Midfielders: Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves
- Forwards: Dembele, Asensio, Barcola
Paris’s lineup will likely feature an experienced defensive core with Marquinhos, supported by young midfield talents Zaire-Emery and Vitinha. The wingers, Dembele and Barcola, bring a quick, creative edge to PSG’s attacks, aiming to outpace Atletico’s defenders.
Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Oblak
- Defenders: Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Reinildo
- Midfielders: De Paul, Koke, Barrios, Lino
- Forwards: Alvarez, Griezmann
Atletico Madrid’s setup revolves around a solid defense led by Jan Oblak, with Witsel adapting to a defensive role due to injury absences.
The midfield, anchored by Koke, will play a critical role in intercepting PSG’s attacks and feeding the forward line, where Griezmann and Alvarez look to exploit PSG’s defense on counter-attacks.
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Key Players to Watch
- Bradley Barcola (PSG): Barcola’s recent form has been electrifying, combining well with Dembele to create a dangerous attack. His pace and precise crosses make him a constant threat from the left wing.
- Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid): Griezmann remains Atletico’s most consistent performer, with his vision and movement essential for breaking down PSG’s defense. Griezmann’s ability to adapt to various attacking positions could be key in finding gaps in PSG’s setup.
- Marco Asensio (PSG): Filling in as a central forward in Ramos’s absence, Asensio’s experience and creativity will be central to PSG’s attack. He will need to find ways to disrupt Atletico’s well-organized backline and convert chances into goals.
- Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid): The young midfielder impressed after returning from injury, showcasing composure and tactical intelligence. His role in midfield could be crucial, especially in intercepting PSG’s build-up play and feeding Atletico’s forwards on the break.
Match Prediction
Given the stakes, both teams will approach this clash with a mix of caution and tactical discipline. Paris’ attacking front and young talents may dominate possession, yet Atletico Madrid is known for its defensive resilience and counter-attacking strength, especially under Simeone. Atletico’s track record away from home has been mixed this season, but Simeone’s side is always up for a challenge in high-stakes fixtures.
Expect a tightly contested game with PSG controlling much of the ball, attempting to wear down Atletico’s defense.
However, Atletico has the tools to respond on the counter, with Griezmann’s playmaking and Alvarez’s finishing posing threats on breakaways. While Enrique’s PSG may look to press for a home win, Atletico’s organized defense could be enough to secure a hard-earned point.
Score Prediction: PSG 1-1 Atletico Madrid
