2024-11-05 17:19:00
Paris Saint-Germain, which has scored little in the Champions League this season, hosts Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, November 6 (9:00 p.m.), against whom the Parisians will have to be much more effective in front of goal if they do not want to compromise their chances of qualifying. During this fourth day of the league phase, the Brestois will face a Sparta Prague which is losing momentum.
Facing the Colchoneros, who have already conceded eight goals this season in three C1 matches including three against Lille, Luis Enrique and his clumsy players have the opportunity to stop the refrain of recent months: offensive inefficiency.
After a narrow victory against Girona (1-0), a clear defeat against Arsenal (2-0) and a sad draw against PSV (1-1), and before facing Bayern Munich and Manchester City in particular , the Parisians have no other choice but to adjust to grab the places numbered 9 to 24, synonymous with the round-trip play-off to reach the round of 16.
For now, they are stuck in 19th place with 4 points, far from the top 8 synonymous with direct qualification for the round of 16 at the end of the eight matches in this new single ranking format.
“We advance match after match. Tomorrow (Wednesday), it’s a big match, taking the three points is important but we’ll see little by little for qualification”, slipped defender Willian Pacho at a press conference on Tuesday, and “we try to follow our idea of the game”.
PSG, which has always passed the first round of the Champions League since the arrival of the Qatari fund QSI in 2011, must raise its level on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes. Starting with his offensive trident Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé and a false N.9 (Marco Asensio or Lee Kang-in).
The French duo continues to be decisive in Ligue 1 with a total of 13 goals and 8 assists (again Saturday against Lens) but still remains silent in European competition after three days.
This season, only Achraf Hakimi has scored on the continental scene, against PSV (in addition to an own goal caused by Nuno Mendes against Girona).
The Ty-Zefs no longer hide their ambitions
Still not reassured in the championship, Brest can almost validate its ticket for the play-offs for the round of 16 of the Champions League, Wednesday against Sparta Prague in decline.
With seven points in three matches, the sports statistics specialist Opta currently gives the Bretons an 86.8% chance of finishing in the first 24 places which avoid early elimination and even 11.7% of being in the first eight and directly qualified for the eighth.
Also readChampions League: Lille and Brest string together exploits, the reasons for success
Suffice it to say that with 10 points on the clock in the event of a victory, the play-offs would be a virtual certainty. The Ty-Zefs no longer even take the trouble to hide their ambitions.
“I think that qualification has already been in our heads since our first two victories (…) but it is certain that now, it is the objective (…) We must not hide and make false (modest)”, proclaimed coach Eric Roy, after holding out against Leverkusen (1-1), on October 23.
Prague will go all out
Ideally, the technician would undoubtedly have preferred to show up in Prague other than a home defeat against Nice (0-1) which leaves the Finisterians eleventh in the Ligue 1 standings and only three steps ahead of the red zone.
The fact that his team lost before the victories against Sturm Graz and Salzburg and only drew before Leverkusen will not console him, even if he denies any distraction linked to the approaching European deadlines.
“The only good news from this match, having fallen very low in the first half, (is that we) are capable of being again in high performance in the second half. That means that the team has even though it has resources, is capable of reacting,” he explained after Nice.
But at the Letna Stadium, there should be no delay in starting against Sparta Prague who will be playing their best.
Handicapped by the muscular problems of its Slovak wingers Lukás Haraslín and Serbian Veljko Birmancevic, as well as its Ecuadorian right side defender Angelo Preciado, Sparta seems good to take.
Team in the fourth hat – the lowest – in the draw, like Brest, Prague is in any case the most affordable of the five matches that the Bretons still have left and they would be well inspired to capitalize on Wednesday.
With AFP
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**Interview with Sports Analyst, Mark Johnson, on PSG’s Upcoming Match Against Atlético Madrid and the Champions League New Format**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mark. Paris Saint-Germain faces Atlético Madrid this Wednesday in a crucial Champions League match. With PSG struggling for form in the tournament, what are the implications of this game for their qualification hopes?
**Mark Johnson:** Thank you for having me. This match is pivotal for PSG. Currently sitting in 19th place with only 4 points, they need to secure a win to keep their hopes alive for one of the top 24 spots, which lead to playoff qualification for the round of 16. If they fail to win, their chances of progressing dwindle significantly.
**Interviewer:** PSG’s attack has been notably ineffective in the competition. What do you think they need to change in their approach against Atlético?
**Mark Johnson:** They absolutely must find a way to convert chances into goals. With players like Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé, they have potential, but they need a clear game plan and effective finishing. Luis Enrique has mentioned focusing on their offensive strategy, and they must capitalize on Atlético’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly having conceded eight goals in three matches.
**Interviewer:** Meanwhile, Brest appears to be in a healthier position with seven points so far. What do you think has contributed to their success in the Champions League?
**Mark Johnson:** Brest has exceeded expectations, displaying strong performances that have positioned them well in the group. Their statistics show an impressive chance of qualifying for the playoffs. The players and coaching staff have instilled a winning mentality, which has been crucial during the early stages of this new format. If they can continue to maintain their momentum, especially against a struggling team like Sparta Prague, they could solidify their spot.
**Interviewer:** In light of this new format for the Champions League, do you think it amplifies the pressure for teams with lower expectations, like Brest, and for established clubs like PSG?
**Mark Johnson:** Absolutely. The single ranking format adds more intensity because every match counts significantly toward qualification. Established teams like PSG feel the pressure to perform and maintain their Champions League legacy, while teams like Brest can leverage this format to surprise and challenge for playoff spots. It’s a double-edged sword, with more at stake for everyone involved.
**Interviewer:** Final thoughts? What should we watch for in Wednesday’s matches?
**Mark Johnson:** Keep an eye on PSG’s offensive adjustments and whether they can finally find the back of the net in Europe. For Brest, their determination to validate their strong start is key. It’s an exciting time in the Champions League, and this matchday could redefine the season for many teams involved.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mark, for your insights. It will certainly be interesting to see how these matches unfold!
**Mark Johnson:** Thank you for having me. Looking forward to the games!
