He therefore had to wait a little over a year to taste the excitement of European evenings again. 379 days, to be exact, after his last start in the Champions League in Munich on November 26, 2024, Matvey Safonov will make his return to the PSG cage at the kick-off of the match which will pit the reigning European champion against Athletic Club, this Wednesday evening, in Bilbao.
The withdrawal of Lucas Chevalier, still handicapped by ankle pain following the violent tackle of Lamine Camara ten days ago in Monaco, has in fact assured the Russian goalkeeper a second start in a row. Four days after the successful one this weekend at the Parc des Princes against Rennes (5-0), the task will undoubtedly be less easy this time on the San Mamés pitch for the Parisian goalkeeper and his partners. He who, a year ago, came through during the setback against Bayern (1-0), will this time have the advantage of arriving pumped up by his weekend performance to challenge Nico Williams and his partners.
Good news as Paris is once again faced with some notable losses before this sixth day of the Champions League. In addition to Lucas Chevalier, Luis Enrique will also have to do without the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Ousmane Dembélé, forced to stay in Paris due to flu symptoms. Two defections in addition to those of Lucas Hernandez, suspended for three matches after his elbow on Xavi Simons against Tottenham, as well as Lucas Beraldo and Achraf Hakimi, both in the midst of rehabilitation.
Absences which could lead to some adjustments in defense. To support the pair of central Marquinhos – Pacho, Luis Enrique should entrust the right side position to the faithful – and now almost expert in the position – Warren Zaire Emery and could “innovate” by deciding to entrust the left side to… Senny Mayulu. Although Nuno Mendes, the usual holder of the position, makes his return to the group, it would not be surprising to see Luis Enrique show patience towards him, the Dembélé jurisprudence, affected against Bayern for his return to the starting 11 on the European scene, inviting people not to rush returns.
In the midfield, the Asturian technician should not do without his magical trio Neves – Vitinha – Ruiz who will be responsible for fueling an attack once again deprived of its best pyrotechnician from last season. Author of a benchmark match on Saturday evening against Rennes, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia should occupy his favorite left side and should have a counterpart on the right Bradley Barcola. To complete the trio, Luis Enrique could choose to entrust, as against Tottenham, the position of false number nine to Quentin Ndjantou, Titi whose performance he said he appreciated against Spurs.
PSG : Safonov – Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos (cap.), Pacho, Mayulu – Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz – Barcola, Ndjantou, Kvaratskhelia. Entraîneur: Luis Enrique.
