The wait is over, and the UEFA Champions League returns to our screens this midweek with some mouthwatering games on the schedule. It’s the opening week of the groups, and the draw has produced a mix of excitement, renewed rivalry, and optimism for fans of the continent’s biggest clubs. Europe’s top teams are in action, including champions from England, Spain and Germany. Choosing which game to watch live on TV may be the most difficult decision of the evening for armchair supporters.
Our team covers the biggest and best fixtures from Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing you the latest news, stats, and form of the clubs involved. The game that jumped off the page at us is PSG v Borussia Dortmund in Paris as the champions of the French Ligue 1 host the big guns from the German Bundesliga. The Parisians hold the home advantage and will be eager to make it count, but Dortmund is no pushover and could pull off a shock result, especially if their hosts take them lightly. Keep reading for our in-depth preview.
Group of death
The draw for the groups has been kind to fans but harsh on some teams; especially those dropped into Group F. PSG is the top seed in the pool and expected to progress as champions of the group, giving themselves an easier draw in the next round when knockout football arrives. But if the French champions think they need only turn up to win their group, they are in for a nasty surprise. As well as Tuesday’s opponents, the pride of Paris plays Italian giants AC Milan and formidable English side Newcastle United.
The stats show PSG and Borussia Dortmund have met four times previously, with the head-to-head stats locked at one win each and a pair of draws. The first meeting of PSG and Dortmund was a 1-1 draw in Germany 13 years ago before the sides fought out a goalless finish in the return leg in Paris. The rivals met again in the knockout stages of 2020 when Dortmund drew first blood, winning 2-1 at home, but a 2-0 victory for PSG turned the fixture in their favour. Goals from Neymar and Bernat won the game in the first half, and PSG’s defence was good enough to guide them through.
Bet hereDortmund have high hopes
Borussia Dortmund is a regular feature in the Champions League, but they rarely live up to the expectations of their fans, often falling at the first hurdle. Will they battle their way through to the knockout stages this term? Only time will tell on that one, but a victory on the road in the opening week would set them on the right path. Dortmund can catch their opponents early and gain momentum over a rival for qualification. But they must be at their best to upset the Parisian crowd.
Dortmund enjoyed an unbeaten start to their season, winning one and drawing two of their first three games. They got off to an ideal start by banking three points but were held to a level finish and forced to share with Bochum and Heidenheim, two teams they were expected to beat comfortably. They edged FC Koln 1-0 before finishing 1-1 away to Bochum and 2-2 when hosting Heidenheim. It’s still unclear if this Dortmund team is finding its feet or if they lack the killer instincts to finish teams off, turning one point into three. That said, another draw on Tuesday would be a fine result for the Germans.
PSG v Dortmund prediction
The French Ligue 1 champions play at home, where they’ll be cheered on by a strong support, but the crowd isn’t exactly patient. If the locals don’t start the game as expected, going on the attack, dominating the football, and creating scoring chances, the mood in the stand will begin to shift from optimism to impatience. A strong start is needed, and an early goal from PSG will help settle the nerves.
Borussia Dortmund hasn’t impressed us in recent Champions League campaigns, and they haven’t been much better in the Europa League either, even when playing at home. It will take their best effort for Dortmund to get anything of note from this trip, but PSG won’t need to be at their best to win. The home crowd should make all the difference here.
Champions League odds
Football fans and 22Bet members can wager on this game, predicting the match winner or playing one of the many specials. The pre-game odds offer victory for PSG at 1.765, while an away win for Borussia Dortmund attracts a 3.94 price. Fancy another draw for the Germans? You can take the level finish at 4.28.
Those betting on the outcome of this game at 22Bet will enjoy a range of eye-catching markets and specials. Have your say on the first goalscorer, the total goals scored in the game, handicap, half-time/full-time, draw no bet, and more. There’s something for everyone.
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