Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a heavyweight opening showdown from this summer’s Club World Cup, PSG and Atletico Madrid will meet in California on Sunday night.
PSG
Starting with PSG, making real history last month as they stormed their way to a maiden Champions League crown, the French giants shattered a string of long-standing records this season. Eventually claiming a famous 5-0 romp against Inter Milan over in Munich, Luis Enrique’s men travel over to the United States with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Completing what was a sensational silverware sweep across all fronts, the former Barcelona boss has seen his record-breaking squad receive a string of plaudits from across the globe. Getting their World Club Cup adventure underway this weekend, PSG will be looking to collect a heavyweight scalp at the Rose Bowl. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Enrique’s side have firmly cemented their spot as one of European football’s ultimate poster boys now.
PSG Team News
While the duo of Lucas Hernandez and Kang-In Lee might be linked with respective moves away from the French capital this summer, both have been included in Enrique’s travelling squad. Regarded as a potential Ballon d’Or contender this year, attacking talisman Ousmane Dembele will feature here.
Looking to get their Group B campaign underway with an early statement, Enrique could be tempted to make minimal changes from their iconic night in Munich. Expected to sign a bumper new deal in Paris, Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma will start between the sticks.
Atletico Madrid
As for Atletico Madrid, while Los Colchoneros might have eventually been forced to settle for another bronze medal finish among Spain’s elite, Diego Simeone’s men did sign off the 2024/25 campaign with a real flurry. Last seen storming their way to a routine 4-0 romp against Girona, the Spanish giants cruised their way to another Champions League ticket without having to get out of third gear. Although Atletico might have shown some extended inconsistencies outside of Madrid so far this calendar year, they will certainly be excited by their most recent showdown against the reigning European champions. Mounting a famous comeback back in November and eventually leaving Paris with a last-gasp 2-1 win, Simeone’s side will be looking to derail the party atmosphere in PSG’s camp.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Putting one to paper on a new deal earlier in the month, French superstar Antoine Griezmann has been included in Simeone’s squad. Likewise, featuring for Slovenia over the past fortnight, Jan Oblak has travelled over to the United States and joined up with Atletico’s camp.
Enjoying what was a sensational maiden campaign among Spain’s elite, former Manchester City marksman Julian Alvarez should play a leading role in the final third. Making his move to Madrid a permanent one this month, Clement Lenglet will feature at the heart of Simeone’s defence.
PSG vs Atletico Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When PSG and Atletico Madrid met for a Champions League group stage showdown back in November, Los Colchoneros collected a last-gasp 2-1 victory in Paris.
- However, Atletico recorded just a pair of wins from any of their final nine away fixtures across all competitions.
- Including their iconic Champions League success on May 31st, PSG recorded 15 goals in their final four appearances.
- 10 of PSG’s final 12 showdowns finished with over 2.5 goals.
- Each of the three meetings between PSG and Atletico Madrid have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Coming off the back of their iconic night in Munich, PSG will be looking to get their Club World Cup adventure off with a statement of intent. Completing a famous silverware sweep and travelling over to the United States with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the reigning European champions are once again regarded as a standout title contender this summer. However, hit with a last-gasp 2-1 loss when they welcomed Atletico to Paris back in November, the Spanish giants have already demonstrated that they are capable of springing a heavyweight upset.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
