PSG Vs Tottenham Hotspurs: Les Parisiens Ready To Go Crazy At The Parc Des Princes

Joao Neves, getting brighter with PSG (photo: x @PSG_inside)

JAKARTA - Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur meet again on the European stage, this time at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League league phase. This Wednesday 23 November duel repeats the UEFA Super Cup drama a few months ago, which PSG won on penalties. The difference is, this time Spurs comes with more fragile energy and greater pressure.

PSG entered this match after their first defeat in the Champions League this season, down 1-2 from Bayern Munich in a strange matchBayern played with 10 people throughout the second half, but were still able to defend their lead. Luis Diaz scored two goals before a red card from a brutal tackle on Achraf Hakimi, a clash that still leaves Hakimi out until now. PSG's reply goal comes through Joao Neves, but not enough to save their perfect record.

Even so, PSG remains on a safe path to qualify automatically for the last 16. The fifth position of 36 teams is not something that makes you panic, especially Les Parisiens have never swallowed two consecutive home defeats in the Champions League in their history. The response after losing to Bayern was also quite convincing: two consecutive wins in Ligue 1, including a clean 3-0 win over Le Havre who kept their position at the top of the standings.

But this season's PSG weren't as tough as last season, when they destroyed Inter Milan in the final. Some of the loose pillars made their machines sometimes stalled, but their collective quality was still indiscriminate.

In the Tottenham camp, the atmosphere was much deeper. Spurs fans left the Emirates early after Arsenal staged a 4-1 orchestra that made Spurs look unprepared. The historic hat-trick Eberechi Eze, who was hunted by Tottenham on the transfer market, became a symbol that Thomas Frank's plan, particularly the 5-2-3 defensive scheme, was destroyed without a fight. Internal pressure increased, and tactical confusion began to be felt.

But interestingly, Spurs' record in the Champions League is much better. Two wins and two draws keep their unbeaten record. Their defense is also more solid in Europe, recording five clean sheets of the last seven games at all levels. UCL's two away games this season ended in a draw, a sign that Spurs were at least able to appear more disciplined when not playing in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, the current Tottenham squad's condition is like a tragedy novel. Yah Johnson was suspended for a red card against Copenhagen, while the list of injuries extends to crisis levels: James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Takai City, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, and some others are not available. Ben Davies' return opportunity could give a little breath, but it doesn't change reality much.

PSG also lost many players, including Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue. But Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are back in shape and ready to perform. Luis Enrique is expected to return Fabian Ruiz and Willian Pacho to the main line, while Warren Zare-Emery is likely to come down as an emergency right-back.

Tottenham may try to play more aggressively after their defensive approach last week fell apart. But Spurs' main problem this season is the team's easily broken build-up play. PSG, who appeared without Dembele, Doue, and Hakimi, still had enough buzz to control the game and lock up the win in Paris.

This match felt like a clash between the clubs looking for the best rhythm against the club looking for an identity. Usually only one survives in a state like this and for this time, PSG looks too stable to overthrow.

PSG:Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Lee, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia

Estimated ranks of Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Predictions: PSG 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur.