The Matchday 1 encounter of the 2025/26 UEFA 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 claimed the Ligue 1 title, marking their fourth consecutive victory. Notably, PSG has reached the main stage of the Champions League for the 14th consecutive time, always finishing in the top two in their domestic league. They approach the upcoming match on a run of three victories in this European competition. The club 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 9 of PSG's last 12 games in this tournament.
- The French side 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 – Lucas Hernandez, Illya Zabarnyi, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi – Senny Meyulu, Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery – Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, Ibrahima Mbaye.
Due to injuries, key forwards Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue will miss the match. Defender Lucas Beraldo and midfielder Lee Kang-In are doubtful due to injuries. Notably, forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's injury is not serious, and he will be available for the upcoming match.
Atalanta
The Bergamo side has not finished higher than third place 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 tournament, Atalanta finished the group stage in ninth place with 15 points from eight matches, leading to a playoff in the round of 16, where they unexpectedly lost to Club Brugge in both legs (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.
Due to injuries, defender Sead Kolasinac and midfielder Ederson Lourenco will miss the match. Forward Gianluca Scamacca is doubtful due to injury. Ademola Lookman is also not included in the squad for the game.
Referee
Sandro Schärer (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 embarking on the defense of their title 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 four rounds with all wins. Meanwhile, Atalanta is not as flawless, securing their first Serie A victory only in the third round after previous draws.
The French side excels at home, winning 4 of their last 5 home Champions League matches, scoring at least two goals in each. The Italians are dangerous away, but last season they only defeated significantly weaker opponents. In away matches against serious opponents, Atalanta dropped points, conceding two or more goals.
I believe PSG is likely to secure 3 points in this match and will impress with their performance in both halves. Notably, in 4 of their last 6 home Champions League matches, the French side scored in both halves. My prediction – PSG to score in both halves – yes
