European champions: We can do it again!

Mighty Paris Saint-Germain had a dream season, winning every domestic trophy while finally bringing the long-awaited Champions League trophy to the City of Light. They also reached the final of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, but Chelsea gave Luis Enrique’s side a harsh lesson in Pasadena. Last month, PSG lifted the UEFA Super Cup in Udine after a penalty shootout victory against Tottenham. The Parisians begin their defense of the trophy at the Parc des Princes with a clash against Atalanta. The “Goddess of the Province” changed managers and instead of long-time figurehead Gian Piero Gasperini, the club from Bergamo appointed Croatian coach Ivan Jurić, who endured unsuccessful spells last season with Roma and Southampton, but had previously done an excellent job at Verona and Torino in Serie A.

PSG have opened Ligue 1 with four wins from four, but Spanish coach Luis Enrique faces concerns due to injuries to two of his key attackers, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, both of whom returned hurt from international duty with France. Also doubtful is Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while defender Lucas Beraldo is ruled out. In attack, Luis Enrique may rely on Korean Kang-in Lee, who has recovered from an ankle injury and trained the day before the match. Bradley Barcola and Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos are also expected to start up front. Elsewhere, no changes are expected: Chevalier in goal, Hakimi and Nuno Mendes at full-back, Pacho and Marquinhos as center-backs, with a midfield trio of Fabian Ruiz, Neves, and Vitinha.

Luis Enrique's way: one half from commentator's box, the other from sidelines

The Spaniard is brimming with confidence. Despite squad problems at the start of the season, Enrique is convinced his team are once again contenders for the trophy.

“The players are very ambitious. Last year I told them to enjoy their football and it was easy to motivate them. We are confident we can repeat last season’s success. The first title is always the hardest, because players don’t believe they’re capable of winning it. We showed the way for everyone at the club, including those who are just arriving. All of PSG wants to win. For me, winning the first is harder than winning the second or third” he said.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Wednesday

19.45: (1.45) Olympiakos (4.40) Paphos (7.50)

19.45: (1.85) Slavia Praha (3.60) Bodo (4.30)

22.00: (4.10) Ajax (3.50) Inter (1.90)

22.00: (1.67) Bayern (4.25) Chelsea (4.85)

22.00: (1.62) Liverpool (3.90) Atl.Madrid (5.60)

22.00: (1.50) PSG (4.50) Atalanta (7.25)