Paris Saint-Germain will host fellow European giants Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. In this year’s group of death, where Newcastle United and seven-time champion AC Milan are also battling for the top two positions, the two continental behemoths were paired up against one another.
Preview (Paris Saint-Germain vs. Borussia Dortmund)
In an effort to duplicate his Champions League triumph with the Blaugrana in 2015, former Barcelona treble winner Luis Enrique has taken the helm at PSG. However, rather than making an immediate impact in the French capital, he has guided PSG to their poorest point total at the start of a season since their Qatari ownership. The defending Ligue 1 champions have only collected eight points out of a possible 15 thus far. They suffered yet another humiliating home defeat at the weekend, losing 3-2 to a Terem Moffi-inspired Nice. This places them fifth in the top-flight standings, which is uncharted territory for the defending champions.
Another extravagant summer of investment has not yet paid off for Tuesday’s hosts. They have now lost five of their previous nine competitive matches in front of their own fans. Teething troubles were predicted as PSG adjusted to life without Lionel Messi and Neymar. Having come agonizingly close to ending Bayern Munich’s run of dominance in the Bundesliga last season before settling for the silver medal once more, Dortmund is looking to tear down a few more of the walls of the Parc des Princes fortress. They share Les Parisiens’ pain when it comes to missing out on glory.
Edin Terzic’s team is already behind schedule this time around after two disappointing draws against Bochum and Heidenheim before the break, but a trip to Freiburg over the weekend saw Dortmund come back from a 2-1 deficit to win 4-2. Dortmund extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 13 games, scoring in each of those games. Thanks mainly to contributions from Donyell Malen and Marco Reus. However, they have yet to record a clean sheet on the road this year.
Team News
PSG’s star player Kylian Mbappe overcame a slight knee worry in time to start against Nice. Nordi Mukiele, who suffered a torn hamstring, and Nuno Mendes, whose Achilles tendon is still giving them trouble. They are not quite ready to play again. Fabian Ruiz, who missed the loss to Nice due to a thigh injury, is also questionable. Gregor Kobel, the goalkeeper, and Julian Ryerson, the right back, both played the full 90 minutes against Freiburg despite having their own issues.
Ramy Bensebaini, who was substituted at halftime the last time out, should stay on the other wing. PSG have scored at least two goals in each of their past three games. The Parc des Princes may have lost some of its intimidating aura in 2023. A fired-up Mbappe can always be counted on to terrorize opposing defenses. Ugarte and Marquinhos’ anticipated comeback will also offer a layer of resiliency to the Parisiens’ starting lineup, but Dortmund’s effective attackers ought to still have a twinkle in their eyes.
Paris Saint-Germain 2 – 2 Borussia Dortmund
For more football previews, click here
