PSG and Leipzig were not long ago two teams without idiosyncrasies in the European Cup. However, and as a result of large investments, especially the Parisian, both teams have become in two Champions League classics in recent years and that they have faced each other in the last two editions of the maximum continental competition, today (9:00 pm) being the third. Pochettino’s men have very good memories of the German team, since last year they went to their first -and only final to date- Champions League final in which they succumbed very cruelly to Bayern (follow the match of today live on As.com).
Today’s has nothing to do with the last two Champions. Leipzig is no longer that team that has dared to jeopardize Bayern’s indomitable dominance in the Bundesliga and that, thanks to Nagelsmann, it became one of the clubs with the greatest tactical innovations in Europe. In the Bundesliga, and under the direction of Marsch, the Red Bulls have added only 11 points in 8 days and the feeling is that Nagelsmann’s legacy is weighing heavily on the team’s dynamics. For their part, PSG arrives at tonight’s appointment with 4 points out of 6 possible in the Champions League, with 9 victories in 10 Ligue 1 matches and with a fearsome team after having made a historic summer in European football that culminated with the Messi’s arrival in the French capital.
Pochettino, who will not be able to count on Neymar, injured yesterday in the abductors at the last minute after dragging problems with Brazil, will have to entrust himself to the talent of Mbappé and Messi, who will seek to experience another dream night at the Parc des Princes after having debuted with his new team on the last day of the Champions League with a home-brand goal against City. For its part, Leipzig will seek to surprise in a group in which it has not yet scored and in which today it could be virtually eliminated from the top continental competition. Nkunku, PSG youth squad, will try to show his former team that they were very wrong after giving Leipzig practically two years ago.
Neymar, low at the last minute
Although yesterday he trained under apparent normality with the rest of his teammates, Neymar Jr has been the great absence of PSG in the call to face Leipzig. The Brazilian dragged annoyances in the abductors of the last international stoppage and finally was not summoned by Pochettino, who assured that it is a small problem and that it is not necessary to give importance to him.
PSG: Donnarumma; Achraf, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes; Verratti, Gueye, Ander Herrera, Wijnaldum; Messi and Mbappé.
RB LEIPZIG: Gulácsi; Klostermann, Simakan, Orban; Mukiele, Laimer, Kampl, Angeliño; Nkunku, Forsberg; and Poulsen.
REFEREE: M. Guida (Italy).
STADIUM: Princes Park.
HOUR: 21:00 (M + Champions League 2).