The 5th round of the UEFA Champions League group stage kicks off today.
Idman.biz reports that Europe’s premier club competition will host nine exciting matches tonight.
Among them, the clash between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain grabs the spotlight. Bayern, boasting an 18-match unbeaten home streak in the Champions League (14 wins and 4 draws), last lost at home to PSG in 2021 with a 2-3 scoreline. However, the German giants have since defeated the Parisians in three consecutive matches without conceding: 1-0 twice and 2-0 in their most recent encounter.
Bayern’s star striker Harry Kane praised PSG, calling them a formidable team:
"They have many star players and will try to dominate possession. We aim to play similarly, control the game, and create difficulties for them, especially pressuring the goalkeeper."
Despite the praise, the stats speak for themselves. PSG has collected just four points from their first four group-stage matches this season, marking their worst performance since the 2004/05 campaign. Furthermore, they’ve set an unfortunate club record, losing five matches in European competitions within a single calendar year for the first time.
Currently, PSG sits 25th in the group stage rankings, while Bayern isn't far ahead at 17th. Harry Kane commented on their standings:
"We’re not used to being this low. To break into the top eight, we must win our remaining matches. The next game will be tough, and we’re fully aware of what’s at stake."
Another highly anticipated game involves Sporting CP (2nd) and Arsenal (12th). Unlike Sporting, who are riding a nine-match winning streak across all competitions, Arsenal has struggled in the Champions League, failing to score in their last four away games. In their previous encounter with Inter, a 0-1 loss, Arsenal managed 20 shots on goal but failed to find the net.
The teams have history. In March 2023, during the Europa League Round of 16, Sporting emerged victorious in a penalty shootout (2-2, 1-1, pen. 5-3). Reflecting on those matches, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said:
"I believe every team evolves. Sporting’s progress is incredible, and we’ve also made great strides compared to two years ago. This match will be a real test for us."
At the top of the group stage standings, a noteworthy duel awaits between Barcelona (6th) and Brest (4th). Brest, despite losing their last two Ligue 1 matches, remains undefeated in the Champions League since its inception in 1992 (3 wins, 1 draw). Barcelona, on the other hand, will look to regain momentum after two winless LaLiga outings.
Meanwhile, Manchester City faces a critical match against Feyenoord. Seven years ago, City easily dispatched the Dutch team (4-0, 1-0), but circumstances have changed. City is currently on a five-match losing streak for the first time since 2006, and manager Pep Guardiola is experiencing an unprecedented dip in his career. However, Guardiola remains steadfast in his philosophy:
"If I had abandoned my principles in my first season, we wouldn’t have won six Premier League titles in eight years. We’ll win on Tuesday, and clarity will follow. If not, there’s Sunday (against Liverpool). And if not then, there’s next week. We’re working to turn things around."
UEFA Champions League
League phase - Round 5
November 27
• 21:45 Sparta vs. Atletico
• 21:45 Slovan vs. Milan
• 00:00 Barcelona vs. Brest
• 00:00 Bayer vs. Salzburg
• 00:00 Bayern vs. PSG
• 00:00 Inter vs. Leipzig
• 00:00 Manchester City vs. Feyenoord
• 00:00 Sporting vs. Arsenal
• 00:00 Young Boys vs. Atalanta
Idman.biz.
