Champions League
PSG Vs Bayern Munich Preview: Dembélé Returns As PSG Aims To Stop Bayern’s Perfect Run
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says his side is “ready and motivated” to end Bayern Munich’s incredible 15-game winning streak when the two European giants meet in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match at the Parc des Princes.
Dembélé Fit to Return
The French champions have been handed a major boost ahead of the heavyweight clash with the news that Ousmane Dembélé is fit and available for selection.
The winger, who scored in PSG’s 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup quarterfinals back in July, has recovered from the thigh discomfort that saw him leave the field early against Lorient last week.
“We do not take risks with any players. But Ousmane Dembélé is fit he has been in every training session for the last two weeks,” Luis Enrique told reporters on Monday.
“He is improving his physical fitness and he will certainly play tomorrow. I do not know for how many minutes, but he will play because he is ready to compete.”
The French forward’s return adds another attacking dimension to a PSG side that remains unbeaten in its last eight competitive matches.
A Clash Between Europe’s In-Form Teams
Bayern Munich arrives in Paris in extraordinary form. Since losing to PSG in July, the German champions have gone on a 15-match winning run across all competitions including nine straight victories in the Bundesliga.
Their record-breaking start to the season has emphasized why many consider them the team to beat in Europe.
However, Enrique insists PSG are not intimidated by Bayern’s numbers.
“If we talk about the results and their run in the last 15 games, it is incredible,” he said.
“We know how difficult it is to win three or four matches in a row, but 15 is just incredible. They deserve it.
But this time, it’s at the Parc des Princes, in front of our supporters.
”With the atmosphere we create every game, we are confident we can improve our performance level to try to overcome their pressure.”
Both PSG and Bayern are perfect in the Champions League group stage so far, having won all three matches and sitting level on goal difference. PSG, however, tops the table on goals scored.
Vitinha: “Let’s Talk on the Pitch”
Midfielder Vitinha echoed his manager’s confidence but urged caution ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
“I think we can find out the answer tomorrow,” he said when asked if the winner could be considered Europe’s best team.
“It’s better to do our talking on the pitch than here.”
Vitinha also reserved special praise for Bayern’s talismanic striker Harry Kane, who has scored 24 goals for club and country this season.
“Harry Kane is a great player, one of the best in the world. His figures over many seasons have been fantastic and he has started brilliantly this season with numbers that are out of this world,” Vitinha said.
“But Bayern Munich has many good players like Harry Kane they’re a strong team.”
Neuer: “We Know How to Hurt PSG”
While PSG looks to protect its unbeaten run, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer believes his side has the tools to cause problems for the reigning Champions League winners.
“We’re not afraid we like playing against PSG,” said the 39-year-old goalkeeper.
“They’re a strong side individually with a good coaching team. They deserved to win the Champions League.
”Their counter-attacking play is dangerous, as are their shots from distance. PSG has a lot of quality. We’ll have to defend well and take advantage of the situations when we can hurt them.”
Neuer emphasized that Bayern’s strategy will rely on maintaining a solid defensive structure while exploiting PSG’s aggressive attacking style.
“We are both teams that like to have the ball, and perhaps we don’t like to defend much,” he admitted.
“There will certainly be opportunities to counter-attack. You have to be wide awake for that that’s exactly how we want to hurt the Parisians.”
Kane’s Evolution Under Kompany
Central to Bayern’s superb form has been the finishing of Harry Kane, who has scored 22 goals in Bayern’s 15-game winning streak.
However, manager Vincent Kompany believes the England captain’s impact now goes far beyond his goal-scoring exploits.
“Harry’s understanding of the role has evolved this season,” Kompany explained.
“It’s a mix of creating the conditions for him to do what he does really well, but also ensuring he’s in the right positions to score goals.
”Harry has a lot of experience and a great feeling for the game. He doesn’t have a very different role from last year, but he’s evolved in how he sees it.”
The Stage Is Set
Tuesday’s meeting at the Parc des Princes promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Champions League season a battle between Europe’s most in-form sides, both unbeaten and stacked with world-class talent.
For PSG, it’s a chance to reaffirm their continental dominance and prove last summer’s win over Bayern was no fluke.
For Bayern, it’s an opportunity for revenge and a statement of intent that they remain Europe’s ultimate powerhouse.
Either way, football fans are set for another unforgettable night under the Paris lights.
