| Psg vs Slovan | |
| MATCH | Champions League |
| DATE | 10 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Parc des Princes |
Match Preview
Paris Saint-Germain begin their Champions League title defence with plenty of expectations after becoming only the second club in the Champions League era to win the competition in consecutive seasons, following Real Madrid's three successive triumphs between 2016 and 2018.
PSG's journey to last season's title was particularly impressive. After finishing only 11th in the league phase, Luis Enrique's side raised their level when the knockout rounds began, overcoming Monaco before producing dominant performances against Chelsea and Liverpool. They then edged past Bayern Munich in a thrilling semi-final before defeating Arsenal on penalties in the final following a 1-1 draw in Budapest.
The European triumph has strengthened Enrique's position at the club, with the Spanish coach recently extending his contract as PSG look to establish a new era of dominance in Europe.
However, their start to the new domestic campaign has been far less convincing. After beating Aston Villa to win the UEFA Super Cup, PSG have failed to win any of their first four domestic matches, including a defeat to Lens in the Trophée des Champions. They currently sit 13th in Ligue 1.
Their latest setback came at home against Monaco, who recovered from conceding the opening goal to claim a 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes.
PSG will now hope the return of Champions League football can provide a welcome change of momentum, particularly against a Slovan Bratislava side facing one of the biggest challenges in its European history.
Slovan have featured in the Champions League league phase before, although their debut in 2024-25 proved extremely difficult. They finished second-bottom of the 36-team standings after suffering eight consecutive defeats.
This season, however, the Slovakian champions successfully navigated a demanding qualifying campaign to reach the main competition for the second time. They defeated Iberia Tbilisi and Swedish champions Mjallby before overcoming Celje in the playoffs after extra time.
The decisive moment against Celje came from Cristian Martinez, whose extra-time goal secured Slovan's place in the league phase and prevented the tie from going to penalties.
Yaya Toure is now in charge of the Slovakian side and is set to make history as the first African manager to take charge of a Champions League match. The former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder will hope to guide Slovan to a stronger campaign this time around.
The visitors are currently fourth in Slovakia's Super Liga after suffering back-to-back league defeats, though their successful European qualifying run will provide confidence.
Slovan have only visited the Parc des Princes once previously. That meeting came in the 2011-12 Europa League, when PSG secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
Recent Form
Paris Saint-Germain: W – L – D – D – L
Slovan Bratislava: D – W – W – L – W – L
Slovan Bratislava Champions League Form
W – D – W – W – D – W
Team News
PSG have reshaped their attacking options during the summer, allowing several players to leave while bringing in Mika Godts, Maghnes Akliouche and Spain international Ferran Torres.
The new arrivals will compete for attacking positions alongside Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Kvaratskhelia was particularly influential in last season's Champions League campaign, recording 16 goal involvements in 16 appearances and setting a new club record for a single Champions League season.
At left-back, Warren Zaire-Emery deputised against Monaco after Lucas Digne's difficult start to life back in Paris. However, Nuno Mendes is now available again following his suspension and could return to the starting lineup.
Slovan Bratislava will once again look towards Tigran Barseghyan for attacking inspiration. The Armenian winger was the club's leading player for goal involvements, assists and chances created during the 2024-25 Champions League league phase.
Barseghyan is expected to provide service for experienced striker Andraz Sporar.
Summer signing Roman Cerepkai is another option in attack, although the Slovakia international is expected to begin the match on the substitutes' bench.