Can PSG Finally Break their 'English Curse' ?

On March 5th, Paris Saint-Germain will face Liverpool in a high-stakes Champions League Round of 16 showdown. Both sides are top of their respective leagues and are heavy favourites in the competition. However, while Liverpool outclassed their opponents in the league phase, Paris struggled and had to go through the playoff to reach this stage of the competition.

Historically, PSG always had struggles when facing Premier League clubs in the Champions League, with the team holding a record of 9 wins, 9 draws and 13 losses across 31 games against English teams in the competition. Furthermore, Les Parisiens saw many of their recent Champions League campaigns ended by English teams. Therefore, we must ask ourselves: is this the year PSG finally conquers their "English curse" ?

PSG's UCL Knockout Record vs English Clubs

In the past, Paris suffered of many heartbreaking losses when facing English sides in UCL knockouts. Many fans will remember their dramatic collapse against Manchester United in 2019 in the Round of 16 after a probant 2-0 victory at Old Trafford. And their loss to Man City in the semi-finals stage in 2021.

In many of these games, Les Parisiens displayed an incredible ability to endanger their opponents at home, lifted by their fans in the Parc des Princes but faltered in the second legs due to huge defensive lapses and a lack of composure. However, Luis Enrique seems to have change the mentalities at the club and created a squad able to withstand pressure.

What's Different This Time?

Following Kylian Mbappé’s departure from the club last summer, many feared that Paris' hopes of lifting the Champions League trophy would vanish and that the club wouldn't be a contender anymore. However, Luis Enrique’s tactical approach combined with a solid transfer market strategy led by Luis Campos and Nasser Al-Khelaifi propelled the club to new heights.

The signings of Pacho, Joao Neves and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the winter transfer window significantly improved the squad, bringing defensive stabilty and balance in the midfield, while making Paris' very difficult to decipher for their opponents when transitioning offensively. Furthermore, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola are flourishing under Luis Enrique with new responsibilities given to them. Overall, Luis Enrique built a team able to dominate ball possesion and in transitions while being extremely solid defensively thanks to their centre back pair and a Gianluigi Donnarumma in excellent form.

Liverpool's Strenghts and Potential Threats

Liverpool is undoubtedly one of the most dominant European side in this 2024/2025 campaign. The team led by Arne Slot ended the UCL league phase atop the standings while dominating the Premier League. At the center of their success, there is an excellent system based on high pressing and intensity combined with a lethal counter-attacking ability led by Mo Salah and his teammates taking the right decisions in fast-break situations. Additionally, the Merseyside team is also one of the best defensive side in Europe, led by Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahim Konaté.

Furthermore, the second leg will be played at Anfield, a venue where PSG has struggled in the past. They have often faltered in away second legs, even after securing a first-leg advantage at home.

Can PSG Finally Overcome This Curse?

The key factors that will determine this tie on Paris' side will be their ability to keep their composure in important moments and their tactical discipline which has been excellent so far this season. However, this squad remains relatively young, and they have yet to face an opponent of this caliber this season. Therefore, this will be a defining moment for Luis Enrique and his team — either a stepping stone toward their first-ever UCL title or yet another setback at the hands of a English side. Does this PSG squad have what it takes to rewrite history?