PSG official lineup vs Girona for the Champions League
By Manuel Meza
This evening, 18 September, Paris Saint-Germain will kick off their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign against Girona at the Parc des Princes. After a convincing 3-1 victory over Brest last Saturday, PSG will be eager to extend their winning form into Europe’s premier club competition.
The French giants will face Girona for the first time in their history in the Champions League. Girona, having secured their spot in this year's tournament following a standout season in La Liga, will be making their debut in this phase. Despite their impressive qualification, the Catalans come into this match on the back of a heavy 1-4 defeat to FC Barcelona last Sunday.
With the anticipation building, let’s take a look at the official starting lineup for PSG as they prepare to face Girona tonight.
PSG official lineup vs Girona for the UEFA Champions League
Luis Enrique has opted for the following starting XI: Safonov - Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes - Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz - Dembele, Asensio, Barcola.
Matvey Safonov will start in goal due to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s muscle injury. The Russian was chosen over recent Olympic champion with Spain, Arnau Tenas. In defence, there are no surprises, with Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, and Nuno Mendes completing the back line.
There is a surprise in midfield. Both Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery, who were doubts, start as expected, but Joao Neves, who was widely tipped to start, is on the bench. Instead, Fabian Ruiz, who scored in PSG’s last Ligue 1 match against Brest, will begin in his place.
In attack, there are no surprises either, with Ousmane Dembele, Marco Asensio, and Bradley Barcola starting. Randal Kolo Muani will be on the bench but is likely to feature later, as he has in the first four matches of the French league season.