Can the victorious PSG continue to flourish in the Champions League?
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to return to the Champions League this Wednesday evening, facing Atalanta Bergamo. The French champions, currently coached by Luis Enrique, have shown a resilient spirit, adapting to the new tournament format that allows for a slightly later build-up.
However, the PSG of mid-September is not the same as the one Luis Enrique envisioned a month ago. The team has been rather interesting in games but has struggled to find consistency in the autumn of 2024.
Bradley Barcola has been a reliable presence for the team, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has yet to make a significant impact. The team's offensive output has been less than impressive, but they have managed to secure victories, such as their recent 2-0 win against Lens, despite having an xG lower than their Ligue 1 opponent.
The PSG's calendar for this season is dense and complicated, with a challenging schedule at home and a less demanding one on the road. The team will be without three starters from the last final, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele, for this Wednesday's match.
Atalanta, on the other hand, might face a reduced offensive threat with the absences of Ademola Lookman and Gianluca Scamacca. The Italian team brings back memories of the Champions League quarter-finals in 2020, where Marquinhos and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored the qualification goals for PSG.
Luis Enrique acknowledges that the team has more confidence than last season to start the Champions League. The question for tonight is whether PSG's performance, which has been more than enough for Ligue 1, will be enough in the Champions League against Atalanta.
The PSG has relieved itself of the rumor of a curse and the urgency that accompanied each campaign start. The team is lined up and counting down to the first European match, just like the heroes of spring. The Champions League trophy serves as a reminder that the heroes of spring put away their armor at the start of summer, but the team is eager to reclaim their European glory.
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