UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are set to face Bayern Munich in Atlanta on Saturday for a place in the Club World Cup semifinals. This match features two European giants clashing on American soil.
Fresh off securing their first Champions League title just weeks ago, PSG enters as favorites for the Club World Cup. They navigated a tough group, topping it despite one loss, and showcased their strength with a commanding 4-0 victory over Inter Miami in the quarterfinals under Luis Enrique.
Bayern Munich`s path has been somewhat similar through their first four games. A rotated squad suffered a 1-0 defeat to Benfica, leading to this quarterfinal clash with PSG. They bounced back with a 4-2 win against Flamengo in the Round of 16. This match presents arguably the sternest challenge yet for Vincent Kompany`s side, despite securing the Bundesliga title in his first season in charge.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, July 5
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN
Odds
- Paris Saint-Germain: +120
- Draw: +240
- Bayern Munich: +210
Predicted Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer, Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanicic, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane
Player to Watch
Ousmane Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain: Ousmane Dembele is a strong candidate for the Ballon d`Or, and his performance in the latter stages of the Club World Cup could be influential. Winning the Champions League a few weeks ago bolstered his claim, but his overall season stats of 33 goals and 13 assists highlight his significant impact in a more central role for Luis Enrique`s uniquely impactful lineup. He`s undoubtedly a player to keep an eye on, especially against a Bayern defense that has shown vulnerability at times during Kompany`s tenure.
Storyline to Watch
Is this PSG`s title to lose?: The main question entering this tie in Atlanta on Saturday is whether the Club World Cup is PSG`s title to lose. Just like in the Champions League, they appear to be the team to beat. Luis Enrique`s high-pressing, attack-minded system, particularly effective in wide areas, has overwhelmed most opponents. With players like Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue in top form, PSG looks incredibly cohesive and like a well-oiled machine. While Bayern is still developing under Kompany and may not yet look like the finished product, they face a significant challenge against this formidable version of PSG, who are far from the only team that might be considered underdogs in this matchup.
Prediction
While Bayern possesses attacking talent, chief among them one of the game`s best goalscorers in Harry Kane, PSG`s collective strength seems superior. Anticipate the European champions to implement their characteristic high-intensity approach and likely extend their impressive season by at least one more game.
Pick: Paris Saint-Germain 3, Bayern Munich 1
Adrian Whitmore