FULL TIME
1-0
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
PSG: possible starting lineup: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Lee, Ruiz, Neves; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Barcola
Girona: possible starting lineup: Gazzaniga; Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Martin, Romeu, Solis; Tsygankov, Ruiz, Danjuma
Match Preview
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will begin their 2024-25 Champions League campaign at the Parc des Princes, facing tournament newcomers Girona. PSG, fresh off another Ligue 1 title, are enjoying an unbeaten domestic start under manager Luis Enrique, having won all four of their league matches. Their latest victory was a 3-1 comeback against Brest, with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele.
PSG's goal is to finally claim the Champions League trophy, a pursuit that has eluded them despite reaching the 2020 final. They will hope to make a strong opening statement against Girona, given their remarkable home record in the competition, losing just once in their last 36 games at the Parc des Princes.
Girona, meanwhile, are embarking on their first-ever Champions League journey after an impressive third-place finish in La Liga last season. They have had a mixed start to the new domestic campaign, most recently suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Barcelona. Girona, led by head coach Michel, will be keen to bounce back and make history in Europe's elite competition. Despite being considered underdogs, the club can draw inspiration from the success of other Spanish debutants in the Champions League, like Villarreal and Málaga, who reached the knockout stages in their first attempts.
PSG have several injury concerns, with key players like Goncalo Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe, and Gianluigi Donnarumma sidelined. Summer signing Matvey Safonov could debut in goal, while midfield and defensive rotations might be considered to manage the busy schedule ahead. For Girona, Oriol Romeu returns to bolster their midfield, but injuries to players like Yangel Herrera and Ricard Artero could affect their depth.
This encounter will test Girona’s resilience as they face one of Europe’s most ambitious clubs.