Champions League Group F Kickoff: Can PSG's Champions League Aura Shine Again? How Will AC Milan's Derby Defeat Impact Their Campaign?

The first round of the UEFA Champions League Group F kicks off in the early hours of September 20th, with Paris Saint-Germain looking to rebound from a shaky start in Ligue 1. PSG has hired another Champions League-winning coach this season, following Ancelotti, with the hope that he can turn around their domestic misfortunes. Meanwhile, AC Milan, coming off a heavy defeat in the Milan derby, will look to regain their form in Europe, hoping to shake off their recent woes.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Borussia Dortmund – Which Team Faces a Bigger Crisis?

Luis Enrique, following Tuchel, Pochettino, and Galtier, is the fourth coach in four years to lead PSG into the Champions League. Unlike his predecessors, Enrique arrives with a Champions League title to his name, having guided Barcelona to the treble in 2015. That year, Neymar, who had just arrived in Europe, scored the decisive goal against Juventus in the final, marking a dream debut in Europe. Barcelona fans once thought Neymar would be the next great figure after Messi. However, his move to PSG and now Enrique's arrival have brought about unexpected twists, leaving fans wondering about their Champions League prospects.

Despite Enrique's illustrious track record, PSG’s start to this season has been the worst among his predecessors. With only eight points from their first five Ligue 1 games, PSG has set a new low for the Qatari-owned club in the opening five rounds. This has left fans anxiously watching their Champions League campaign, especially given that PSG is in the ‘Group of Death’. Dortmund, on the other hand, experienced the heartbreak of losing the Bundesliga title last season and are determined to avoid such disappointment this time. However, their performance so far suggests they might not even have the chance for regrets. Dortmund failed to win against weaker sides like Heidenheim and Bochum before the international break, and despite a comeback win against Freiburg last week, their performance has been far from convincing. The only silver lining is that they remain unbeaten.

The two teams last faced off in the 2020 Champions League Round of 16, with both winning at home, but PSG progressed on aggregate 3-2, eventually reaching the final, only to lose to Bayern Munich. This season, both teams have kept a clean sheet just once, with neither defense being particularly reassuring. Their offensive output has also been inconsistent, making it difficult to predict their form. With home advantage, PSG is expected to edge out Dortmund with a 2-1 victory.

AC Milan vs. Newcastle United – Tonali Returns Home

AC Milan’s end to last season was poor, and their qualification for this season’s Champions League was largely due to Juventus’s points deduction. Milan’s overall performance this season has been decent, with successful signings and only trailing the Serie A leaders by three points, which is acceptable. However, success is relative. Losing the Milan derby, where they were clearly outclassed by Inter Milan, was expected. If the teams’ other positions were comparable, the difference in strikers was the biggest gap. Milan and Inter both targeted Marcus Thuram, but he chose Inter for better pay. Don’t forget that Inter’s "King of Balls" also moved from Milan on a free transfer. Despite their financial constraints, Inter's economic power is clearly a notch above Milan’s. The disparity in their on-field and off-field strengths cannot always be patched up with motivational talks, making any criticism of Pioli unfair.

Milan’s prodigal son, Tonali, faces a stern test at Newcastle. Although manager Eddie Howe has complete faith in him and he scored on his Premier League debut, Newcastle has since lost three consecutive games against stronger opposition. The new owner will likely start questioning whether the team’s star quality is sufficient. After all, the Saudi owners’ ambitions are not just a top-four finish but a squad capable of challenging Manchester City for the title. The two teams are closely matched in strength, with Newcastle perhaps slightly stronger. However, Milan's experience in European competitions, having not played in Europe for 20 years, is a significant advantage. Milan is expected to win at home with a 2-0 scoreline against Newcastle United.

Tactical Analysis: PSG’s Revival and Milan’s Setbacks

Paris Saint-Germain’s Tactical Setup

Under Luis Enrique, PSG’s tactical approach is expected to be dynamic and aggressive, utilizing the team’s attacking talents to their fullest. Enrique’s experience with Barcelona has equipped him with strategies to maximize the potential of stars like Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. However, the start of the season has been rocky, with PSG’s defense looking vulnerable. Their midfield, led by Marco Verratti, must provide better protection for the backline, while the forwards need to be more clinical in front of goal. Key players like Messi and Mbappe will be crucial in breaking down Dortmund’s defense, which has also shown weaknesses. Enrique will need to find the right balance to ensure PSG’s attack is potent while shoring up their defense.

Borussia Dortmund’s Struggles

Dortmund’s season has been marked by inconsistency. Their defense, though talented, has struggled to keep clean sheets, and their attack has often lacked the cutting edge needed to break down tough defenses. Players like Jude Bellingham and Marco Reus will need to step up, providing creativity and goals. The midfield’s ability to control the game and support the attack will be crucial. Dortmund’s recent matches have shown that while they can be dangerous going forward, their defense remains a concern. Against PSG, maintaining defensive solidity while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities will be key.

Milan’s Tactical Dilemma and Newcastle’s Challenges

AC Milan’s Defensive and Offensive Setup

After their disappointing derby loss, Milan’s focus will be on regaining their form. The midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer, and Rade Krunic will need to dominate the center of the park, providing stability and linking up with the forwards. Rafael Leão’s pace and dribbling will be crucial in breaking down Newcastle’s defense, while Olivier Giroud’s experience will be vital in front of goal. Milan’s defense, marshaled by Simon Kjær and Fikayo Tomori, must improve their communication and positioning to avoid conceding easy goals. Against Newcastle, Milan’s strategy will likely involve a high press to disrupt Newcastle’s build-up play, while exploiting the spaces behind their defense.

Newcastle United’s Premier League Struggles

Newcastle’s start to the season has been underwhelming, with key players struggling to find form. Sandro Tonali’s integration into the team will be closely watched, given the high expectations from the fans and the management. The midfield, led by Tonali, will need to balance defensive duties with creating opportunities for forwards like Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak. The defense, with players like Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman, must stay organized and avoid giving Milan’s attackers any room to maneuver. Eddie Howe’s tactical setup will be crucial in ensuring Newcastle can compete effectively against a seasoned European side like Milan.

Key Matchups and Predictions

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Borussia Dortmund:

The battle between PSG’s attacking prowess and Dortmund’s defensive frailties will be intriguing. PSG’s home advantage, coupled with their need to bounce back from a poor start, makes them slight favorites. The key matchups will be Mbappe and Neymar against Dortmund’s defenders, while Dortmund’s midfielders will look to exploit any gaps in PSG’s defense. A 2-1 victory for PSG is anticipated, but Dortmund’s ability to hit back on the counter cannot be underestimated.

AC Milan vs. Newcastle United:

Milan’s experience in European competitions gives them an edge over Newcastle, despite their recent struggles. The key battles will be in midfield, where Tonali’s performance against his former club will be a highlight. Milan’s defense will need to keep a close eye on Newcastle’s forwards, while Newcastle’s midfield must disrupt Milan’s play. Milan is expected to secure a 2-0 win at home, leveraging their experience and tactical discipline.

As the Champions League Group F kicks off, both PSG and AC Milan have crucial points to prove. PSG aims to restore its Champions League credentials, while Milan looks to bounce back from their derby defeat. The results of these matches could set the tone for their campaigns, making them must-watch encounters.