The reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain kick off their title defense at the Parc des Princes, but a mounting injury crisis threatens to spoil PSG’s opening encounter against Atalanta. Luis Enrique’s side arrives off a 2-0 victory over RC Lens that maintained their perfect Ligue 1 start, yet the win came at a significant cost with three more players joining an already lengthy injury list.
The Parisians face a Bergamo outfit that demolished Lecce 4-1 last weekend to secure their first Serie A win under new manager Ivan Jurić. With PSG missing key attackers and Atalanta boasting Europa League pedigree, this Champions League opener promises to test the defending champions against a side hungry to prove themselves.
Where to Watch PSG vs. Atalanta
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live on TNT Sports and BBC, with United States viewers able to stream via Paramount+ and TUDN. Indian supporters should tune in to Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM BST, 3:00 PM ET (Wednesday), 12:00 PM PT, and 12:30 AM IST (Thursday).
Probable Starting Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Milan Škriniar, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Midfielders: João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani
𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔 🛬📍🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/45zWYAAkYs
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) September 16, 2025
Atalanta
GK: Marco Carnesecchi
Defenders: Raoul Bellanova, Odilon Kossounou, Isak Hien, Matteo Ruggeri
Midfielders: Marten de Roon, Mario Pašalić, Lazar Samardžić
Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui, Daniel Maldini
Current Form
PSG maintain their perfect domestic record with four consecutive Ligue 1 victories, though the 2-0 win over Lens added to their injury problems as three more players exited the match. The defending champions lost star winger Ousmane Dembélé to a six-week hamstring tear during international duty, while Désiré Doué faces four weeks out with a calf strain. Recent casualties include Lee Kang-in (ankle), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (calf), and Lucas Beraldo (ankle sprain), though early reports suggest the latter two injuries may not be serious.
Atalanta secured their first Serie A victory under Jurić with an impressive 4-1 thrashing of Lecce, bouncing back from disappointing draws against Parma and Pisa. Charles De Ketelaere’s brace showed La Dea’s attacking potential, though they remain without key striker Gianluca Scamacca, who continues his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered last season. The ongoing Ademola Lookman transfer saga has also affected preparations, with the Nigerian forward training separately from the main squad.
Key Battles in PSG vs. Atalanta
Bradley Barcola vs Raoul Bellanova: PSG’s in-form French winger faces Atalanta’s quick wing-back as both sides look to exploit the flanks.
Gonçalo Ramos vs Odilon Kossounou: The Portuguese striker’s movement and finishing ability will test the Ivorian defender’s pace and positioning.
Marten de Roon vs João Neves: Atalanta’s midfield anchor faces PSG’s Portuguese engine in a battle for tempo control.
Tactical Analysis
PSG will look to dominate possession through their technical midfield trio, using Barcola’s pace and Hakimi’s attacking runs to stretch Atalanta’s defense. Enrique’s side excels at quick combinations in tight spaces and will aim to exploit any gaps left by Atalanta’s aggressive pressing. Set pieces remain a weapon, with Marquinhos and Škriniar offering aerial threats.
Plus qu’une nuit… 🏟️✨ pic.twitter.com/nzVzgKFI5G
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) September 16, 2025
Atalanta relies on high-intensity pressing and vertical passing to break opponents’ rhythm, with De Ketelaere’s creativity and Retegui’s physicality providing different attacking options. Jurić’s team will look to force turnovers in dangerous areas and capitalize on PSG’s defensive transitions, particularly targeting the space behind their advancing fullbacks.
Prediction for PSG vs. Atalanta
Despite their injury concerns, PSG’s superior individual quality and home advantage should prove decisive against an Atalanta side still adjusting to new management. The defending champions’ experience in high-pressure European fixtures gives them the edge, though Atalanta’s pressing intensity and set-piece threat could cause problems. Expect a competitive encounter with PSG grinding out a 2-1 victory to begin their title defense positively, with Barcola continuing his excellent form to trouble Atalanta’s backline.
