This Wednesday, November 26, Paris Saint-Germain (5th) faces Tottenham (10th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET) for Matchday 1 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. And as before every match, here is a preview of PSG’s opponent.
Tottenham’s Situation –
Unlucky finalists in the 2018-2019 Champions League, Tottenham have struggled to establish themselves among Europe’s elite. Domestically, Spurs have only one title in the 21st century: the League Cup in 2008. Their last league title dates back to 1961, and their last podium finish was in 2018.
Since that famous final, despite a surprising run, the club has even slipped dangerously down the table. Several managers have come and gone, the transfer windows haven’t been convincing enough, and last season ended with a very disappointing 17th place in the Premier League. Just one place above relegation, even though they were 13 points clear of Leicester.
Manager Thomas Frank arrived after a remarkable spell at Brentford, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who failed to establish an effective style in two years. However, he did win a trophy, which can only be a positive sign. And by winning the Europa League, Tottenham achieved a major feat: qualification for the Champions League.
This may have helped to get back on track, although there is still too much inconsistency to reach the top spots: 9th in the Premier League and 10th in the Champions League.
Summer 2025 Transfer Window –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Statistics –
This season, Tottenham is among the 18th best attackers in the Champions League with 7 goals scored (the best, Bayern Munich, has 1, and the worst, Ajax Amsterdam, has 1), and is among the 3rd best defenses with 2 goals conceded (Arsenal has the best defense with 0 goals conceded, the worst, Ajax Amsterdam, has 11).
The top scorer for the English club is Micky Van de Ven (24-year-old defender), with 2 goals, ranking him among the 19th best in the Champions League (the best is Victor Osimhen with 6 goals). Spurs’ top assist providers are Randal Kolo Muani, João Palhinha, Pedro Perro, Cristian Romero, and Xavi Simons with 1 assist each, ranking them among the 44th best (the best assist provider is Christos Tzoli of Club Brugge with 5 assists).
Tottenham’s Last 5 Matches –
Only Spurs’ possession is shown, and Tottenham’s shots are listed first (when data is available).
29/10/2025 (League Cup) – Newcastle/Tottenham: 2-0. Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. 52% possession. 10 shots, 5 on target, compared to 10 shots (3 on target).
01/11/2025 (Premier League) – Tottenham/Chelsea: 0-1. Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. 49% possession. 3 shots, 1 on target, compared to 15 shots (9 on target).
04/11/2025 (Champions League) – Tottenham (down to 10 men in the 57th minute, 2-0)/Copenhagen: 4-0. In a 4-2-3-1 formation. 60% possession. 14 shots, 7 on target, compared to 9 shots (4 on target).
08/11/2025 (Premier League) – Tottenham/Manchester United: 2-2. In a 4-2-3-1 formation. 55% possession. 9 shots, 5 on target, compared to 4 shots (2 on target).
23/11/2025 (Premier League) – Arsenal/Tottenham: 4-1. In a 3-4-2-1 formation. 42% possession. 3 shots, 2 on target, compared to 17 shots (8 on target).
The probable lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Kolo Muani
Odobert – Simons – Kudus
Bentancur – Palhinha
Udogie – Van de Ven – Romero – Porro
Vicario
Injured: Bissouma, Maddison, Kulusevski, Solanke
Suspended: Johnson
Ineligible: Dragusin, Takai, Davies, Tel
Tottenham’s style of play.
We already saw it clearly during the European Super Cup: Thomas Frank came in to implement an attacking and intense style of play. This is somewhat similar to PSG’s approach, with the desire to stay high up the pitch and press the opponent as soon as they lose possession. But there’s still work to be done to make the team work together seamlessly. We’ve already seen progress compared to last season, but there are still some snags.
Though nothing will be easy for PSG, especially in what promise to be very tough duels.
