• Competition: UEFA Champions League
• Date: Wednesday, 18th, September 2024
• Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21.00 CEST
• Venue: Parc des Princes (Paris)

Paris Saint-Germain are targeting a flying start to their updated Champions League quest as they prepare to take on first-time participants Girona at the Parc des Princes this Wednesday.

It is reasonable to assert that the Parisian team was unlucky to miss out on reaching their first final in Europe’s top club competition, having lost 0-2 to Borussia Dortmund across two legs in the previous season’s semifinals, even though they unleashed over 30 shots on the German side’s goal. As their arduous quest for European glory continues, Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to make a breakthrough without any superstars, having lost their all-time top scorer Kylian Mbappe over the summer, with Neymar and Lionel Messi having already bid farewell before him.

In contrast, Girona were the absolute biggest hit of last season in LaLiga, ending up right behind the top two Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona, with their third-place finish earned them a historic berth in the UEFA Champions League. Even with the success attained, some of the main contributors from the last term, such as Artem Dovbyk, Aleix Garcia, Savinho, and Yan Couto, have departed from the Catalan club, and it will take time for the new arrivals to adapt to the playing style implemented by Michel.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona Betting Tips: AH1 (-1.5)

Last season’s semi-finalists PSG rightfully carry the favorite tag, and it’s hard to imagine that a weakened Girona could cause any trouble at Parc des Princes unless they return from France battered and bruised. Despite fears at the start of the season that the French champions would find it hard to compensate for the loss of superstar Kylian Mbappé and might struggle with their results, it has turned out to be quite the opposite, as the Parisians are performing better than ever. Indeed, the Bradley Barcola-inspired Paris Saint-Germain are instilling fear and awe right now, as they have not only achieved the maximum points from their first four league matches but have also shaken the net a remarkable 16 times in this rich Ligue 1 start. 

Ahead of their baptism of fire in the Champions League, Girona’s motivation cannot be said to be at its peak, having been embarrassed before their trip to Paris with a crushing 1-4 defeat by Barcelona in the Catalan derby at Montilivi. While they troubled the Spanish giants last term, the start of the new season sees Michel’s men struggling to find the right formula against top teams, as they were hammered 0-3 by Atletico Madrid before their collapse against Barcelona. Ultimately, we believe that Girona’s defense will face another tough day on Wednesday, as PSG are firing on all cylinders and will be determined to get the job done here in a routine manner.