The Matchday 1 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between PSG (France) and Atalanta (Italy) will take place on September 17 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. PSG vs. Atalanta: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
PSG
Last season, the Parisians won the Champions League for the first time in their history, thrashing Inter 5-0 in the final. The club also triumphed in Ligue 1 for the fourth consecutive time. Notably, PSG has reached the main round of the Champions League for the 14th consecutive time, always finishing in the top two in their domestic league. The team approaches this match with a streak of three victories in this European competition. PSG is among the top five favorites to win the tournament, currently ranked second.
- The Parisians have won in regular time in 10 of their last 12 Champions League matches.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 9 of PSG's last 12 games in this tournament.
- The French team has conceded in regular time in 6 of their last 7 home matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for PSG (4-3-3)
Lucas Chevalier – Willian Pacho, Illya Zabarnyi, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi – Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves – Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, Ibrahima Mbaye.
Key forwards Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, as well as defender Lucas Beraldo, will miss the match due to injuries.
Atalanta
The Bergamo side has never finished higher than third in Serie A this century. Nevertheless, the club is appearing in the Champions League for the fifth time, with four appearances in the last six years. Their most successful campaign was in 2019/20, reaching the quarter-finals. However, in the last edition, Atalanta finished ninth in the group stage, earning 15 points from eight matches, which led them to the playoffs in the round of 16, where they unexpectedly lost both legs to Club Brugge (1-2 and 1-3).
- The team has only 1 win in regular time in their last 5 Champions League matches (1 draw and 3 losses).
- Both teams scored in 5 of Atalanta's last 6 games in this tournament.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in regular time in Atalanta's last 6 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Atalanta (3-4-3)
Marco Carnesecchi – Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Berat Djimsiti – Raoul Bellanova, Marten de Roon, Mario Pasalic, Nicola Zalewski – Charles De Ketelaere, Nikola Krstovic, Daniel Maldini.
Defender Sead Kolasinac and midfielder Ederson Lourenco will miss the match due to injuries. Forward Gianluca Scamacca is doubtful due to an injury, and forward Ademola Lookman has not been included in the squad.
Referee
Sandro Scharer (Switzerland)
Matches – 18 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 63;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: PSG vs. Atalanta
The Parisians are starting their title defense as Europe's top team. The start of the new season has shown that Luis Enrique's side remains in excellent form, confidently leading Ligue 1 after the first four rounds, winning all their matches. On the other hand, Atalanta has not been as flawless, securing their first Serie A victory only in the third round (following two draws).
The French team plays excellently at home, winning 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Champions League, scoring at least two goals in each victory. The Italians are dangerous on the road, but last season they only defeated noticeably weaker opponents. In away matches against serious opponents, Atalanta dropped points and conceded two or more goals.
I believe PSG is likely to secure 3 points in this match and will impress with goals in both halves. Notably, in 4 of their last 6 home Champions League matches, the French scored in both halves. My prediction: PSG to score in both halves – Yes
