Champions League Preview: PSG vs. Girona
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Paris Saint-Germain return to Champions League action at the Parc des Princes to kick-off their 2024-2025 campaign against Spanish side and debutants in the competition, Girona FC. Boasting an 100% record in Ligue 1 since the start of the season, Les Parisiens are set for a busy period during which they will have to face Girona, Reims, Rennes, and Premier League side Arsenal.
Luis Enrique's side came from behind to beat Stade Brestois in their previous outing in Ligue 1 on Saturday evening. Ousmane Dembélé scored his first brace in front of the Parc des Princes crowd, whilst Fabian Ruiz harked flashbacks to his Euro 2024 campaign with a wonderful curled finish to see off the Breton side.
Girona will be PSG's 44th different Champions League opponent, having won their first encounter against six of their last seven new opponents (but lost last season to Newcastle United 4-1 away from home). They visit the Parc des Princes after reaching a surprise third spot in La Liga last season.
WATCH: PSG win at the Parc vs Brest (3-1)
Luis Enrique wary of Girona threat
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Spanish coach was confident but wary of the threat posed by Champions League newcomers Girona. "We prepare games in terms of what we want to do. We imagine how our opponents are going to adapt to our style of play, and Girona will want to take the ball off us. But we have prepared for this game just like all the others by focusing on our strengths."
"I must acknowledge that no one expected to see them here. It's their first time. But I saw their games last season, they play great football. They were even top of the league table. They play well, I'm a big fan of their coach. He's been rewarded, because tomorrow he can play in the Champions League in an iconic stadium. I wish them all the best, except against us."
Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona: Team news
PSG will be without long-term injury absentees Goncalo Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe, and Lucas Hernandez, while Gianluigi Donnarumma is sidelined with a thigh injury, paving the way for Matvey Safonov to debut in goal.
Midfielders Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha are doubtful, so Lee Kang-in, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves could keep their places. Marquinhos and William Pacho may be recalled in defence, and Bradley Barcola, PSG’s top scorer, could join Ousmane Dembélé and either Marco Asensio or Randal Kolo Muani in attack.
Girona, missing Ricard Artero, Jastin, and potentially Yangel Herrera, will welcome back Oriol Romeu, who is likely to start alongside Ivan Martin and Jhon Solis in midfield. Abel Ruiz should lead the attack, with Portu, Bryan Gil, Viktor Tsygankov, and Arnaut Danjuma vying for wing positions.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona: likely lineups
Paris Saint-Germain likely XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Lee, Ruiz, Neves; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Barcola.
Girona likely XI: Gazzaniga; Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Martin, Romeu, Solis; Tsygankov, Ruiz, Danjuma.
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