Rafael Nogueira
Paris Saint-Germain enter their Champions League defence with belief at an all-time high, according to manager Luis Enrique. Despite losing key forwards Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue to injury, the Spaniard insists his squad have greater assurance compared to last year’s campaign.
Dembele is sidelined for around six weeks with a hamstring issue, while Doue faces a four-week layoff after a calf problem sustained on international duty with France. To add to the concerns, defender Lucas Beraldo will also miss Wednesday’s clash against Atalanta due to an ankle injury.
Momentum From Domestic Success
PSG, fresh off their historic 2024/25 treble, have carried their winning mentality into the new season. They remain unbeaten in Ligue 1, with Bradley Barcola starring at the weekend by netting a brace in the 2-0 win over Lens. The 23-year-old forward looks primed to step into the spotlight in the absence of Dembele and Doue.
Learning From Last Season’s Struggles
Last year, PSG endured a rocky Champions League league phase — three defeats and one draw left them outside the top eight, forcing a playoff route to the knockouts. Enrique acknowledges those struggles but believes they hardened the squad:
“We have more confidence than last year at this moment of the Champions League,” Enrique said on Tuesday.
The coach emphasized that winning the first European crown was the biggest hurdle. After thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in last year’s final, Enrique now believes the squad knows exactly what it takes to succeed again.
Chasing Back-to-Back Titles
Enrique underlined that complacency is not an option:
“It is in my mentality to seek improvement. There is no calm, no complacency about the future. Our objective is to make history again and win a second consecutive Champions League.”
That ambition was reinforced during the summer, when PSG reached the Club World Cup final but fell 3-0 to Chelsea. The defeat, Enrique argues, only sharpened their hunger.
Atalanta Under New Management
PSG’s opener comes against Atalanta, now coached by Ivan Juric, who takes charge of his first Champions League fixture. While Juric brings fresh ideas, Enrique warned that Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical legacy remains strong:
“They changed their coach, so it is tough to predict how they will play. But they remain a tough team with quality players,” Enrique noted.
Atalanta arrive as dangerous underdogs, having lifted the Europa League in 2024 and finishing third in Serie A. Enrique expects a demanding contest that could test PSG’s depth early in the campaign.
What’s at Stake
For PSG, the mission is clear: back-to-back Champions League titles, an achievement that would cement their rise from perennial challengers to European giants. For bettors, PSG’s pedigree and momentum make them favorites, but the injuries open the door for value plays on Atalanta keeping it tight in Paris.
Kick-off is set for Wednesday at the Parc des Princes — and Enrique’s men know the real defence of their crown starts now.