Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, were surprisingly held to their first goalless draw of the season against Athletic Bilbao in Champions League action. Despite the stalemate, PSG remains in a favorable position to advance directly to the round of 16.
The match saw Bilbao's goalkeeper, Unai Simón, deliver a stellar performance, repeatedly denying PSG's potent attack. PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, created clear-cut chances but were unable to convert them. The absence of Ousmane Dembélé in the forward line was palpable, impacting the team's offensive dynamism.
In other Champions League developments, Juventus secured a 2-0 victory against Pafos, while Benfica triumphed over Napoli with a 2-0 scoreline. Richard Ríos was instrumental for Benfica, scoring a goal and assisting another, boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stage. Benfica's win marked their second consecutive victory after a shaky start to their European campaign. They now sit just outside the playoff spots. Napoli's defeat, on the other hand, was their third in the competition.
The Champions League 2025/26 season features a revamped format, with a single league table replacing the traditional group stage. Each team will face eight different opponents, selected from different seeding pots, ensuring varied and competitive matchups. The top eight teams will automatically advance to the round of 16, while teams finishing ninth through 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff for a chance to stay in the competition.
PSG's Champions League journey includes facing Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Leverkusen, Atalanta, Tottenham, Sporting CP, Athletic Club and Newcastle. As the reigning champions, PSG is under pressure to prove that their previous title was not a fluke. With key players like Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha, the Parisian team aims to maintain their dominance.
Meanwhile, PSG is also competing in Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The team's Ligue 1 season includes key matches such as "Le Classique" against Olympique Marseille and derbies against Paris FC. The average ticket price for a PSG Ligue 1 match ranges from €50 to €120, with higher prices for high-profile matches. The Parc des Princes continues to host enthusiastic crowds, with average home league attendance at 47,676.
