This new Champions League campaign kicked off this Tuesday with the first matches of a season unlike any other. UEFA has reformed the format of its flagship European Cup, which gives us an original first match for PSG. Tonight, the French champion faces Girona at the Parc des Princes (9 p.m.) for the first of its eight matches. The Parisians have no room for error, because the draw has assigned them very tough opponents (Arsenal, Atlético de Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich in particular). In these conditions, it is better to succeed in their entry into the competition against an opponent who can be considered the weakest in their European calendar.
Luis Enrique will play with a near-standard team. Almost all of the Spanish coach’s key players are available, with the exception of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Injured, the Italian will give way to his competitor, the noisy Matvey Safonov. The Russian international will experience his first in his new colours and a return to this competition since 2020. In this 4-3-3, he will be protected by a defensive quartet made up of Hakimi and Nuno Mendes on the wings, as well as Marquinhos and Willian Pacho in the centre. This is Luis Enrique’s favourite hinge since the start of the season. In midfield, however, there could be a change due to the uncertainty surrounding Zaire-Emery.
Asensio once again favoured at the forefront
Injured in the French team, the young Frenchman is slowly coming back. Absent against Brest, he was indeed included in the group for this Champions League match. However, it is not certain that this will be enough for a starting place. Instead, we should find Fabian Ruiz associated with Vitinha, also back from injury, and João Neves. Lee would find the bench this time. Finally, up front and as in most areas of the game already, the Spanish coach already has a team in mind. Randal Kolo Muani would once again be a substitute at kick-off to see the trio Dembélé-Asensio-Barcola preferred to him. This has often been the case since the start of the season.
This team can rely on the confidence gained from the opening league games. This is not really the case for Girona. After five La Liga games, last season’s surprise is 9th. Above all, the club is coming off a 4-1 slap against FC Barcelona. For the first European match in their history, the Blanquivermells would present themselves in 4-3-3 with. Gazzaniga in goal, supported by Francés on the right and Gutiérrez on the left. David Lopez should be associated with the experienced Daley Blind in the axis. In midfield, Martin will start the match, probably with Solis since Herrera is uncertain. Romeu will complete the trio. Tsygankov is expected on the right side to support Ruiz and Gil.
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