Paris Saint-Germain now know their eight opponents for the Champions League league phase. With Barcelona, Manchester City, AS Roma and Aston Villa among the teams on the schedule, PSG can expect several high-profile clashes. Nasser Al-Khelaifi reacted enthusiastically to the draw while refusing to get carried away.
The PSG president was quick to play down talk of a third consecutive Champions League triumph. On paper, Paris’ draw appears slightly more open than in the previous two seasons. Al-Khelaifi also highlighted the reunion with Barcelona, who have become a particularly familiar opponent for PSG on the European stage.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi excited for another Barcelona showdown
“Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, a historic club,” the PSG president said, showing great respect for the Catalan side. “It’s a big game for them, for us, for the supporters and for the whole world. We’re very excited to play this match.” According to Opta, since QSI took over PSG, Paris have faced Barcelona 14 times in the Champions League, three more meetings than against any other opponent.
Lire aussi
PSG will also face Manchester City, AS Roma, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan Bratislava and Como. Asked about the draw more broadly, Al-Khelaifi urged caution. “It’s the Champions League, the best competition in the world. You have to be ready game after game if you want to go all the way,” he told Le Parisien. He nevertheless admitted that everyone at the club was highly motivated and eager for the European campaign to begin.
But despite PSG having won the Champions League twice in a row, Al-Khelaifi does not want to talk about a historic third straight title just yet. “It’s far too early to talk about back-to-back-to-back. We have to take it step by step until the end.” The message is clear: PSG accept their status as one of Europe’s leading contenders, but the club intends to stick to the same approach — no excessive predictions, no triumphalism and one priority above all: taking things one match at a time.
Related Posts:
- PSG Face a Brutal Schedule Before the Major International Break
- Lille vs PSG: Six Players Missing from the Squad, Including One Surprise
- A Third Star? Nasser Al-Khelaifi Plays It Down as PSG Face a Long Road
- PSG: Lucas Digne handed an incredible Champions League draw
- PSG Make Move for Celta Vigo Defensive Breakout Star
- Lille vs PSG: Predicted Lineup According to the Press
