Here’s our series. The 5 good reasons to watch a match (with some adjustments here and there). We’ll revisit the compelling aspects before each match with a mix of seriousness and humor. Please note, this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive overview. We continue here with the match between Paris Saint-Germain (3rd) and Sporting Lisbon (14th) this Tuesday at the Estádio José Alvalade for Matchday 7 of the 2025-2026 Champions League (kick-off at 9 pm, CET).
5 – An opponent to discover.
In a Champions League where PSG has very often faced the same opponents, we’ve finally had a bit of a change this season. Sporting is one of them, and it’s an away match. We always enjoy being at the Parc des Princes, but this is also an opportunity to see a different stadium and experience a different atmosphere.
All this against a major club in Portugal, even if they were overshadowed by Porto and Benfica in the 2000s. Their return to prominence in recent years is noteworthy (find the opponent profile here).
4 – Potential signings to watch.
Morten Hjulmand (26-year-old midfielder) and Gonçalo Inacio (24-year-old defender) have been linked with PSG during the transfer window, especially the latter, and could play tonight. This is an opportunity for those unfamiliar with them to get to know them, or to observe them further. Perhaps some will be closely watched by the staff and management. It’s at least another perspective from which to approach this match. Ousmane Diomande (22-year-old defender) is unfortunately injured.
3 – An attack to rediscover.
Ousmane Dembélé (28-year-old forward) shone against Lille, but the same cannot be said for the other Parisian attackers. In recent weeks, they haven’t been able to agree on their form. Nor, at least, consistently enough, on their selections. It’s time to “reconnect.” We’re also curious to see the current pecking order between Bradley Barcola (23 years old) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24 years old), although this question could persist since Désiré Doué (20 years old) could play in midfield given the squad.
2 – The improved collective performance needs to be confirmed.
After an interesting display but a lack of efficiency against Paris FC, PSG also performed well against Lille and even managed to stifle this strong opponent. We saw a return to a pressing game that is both effective and harder to break down. This physical and tactical improvement is something we hope to see again for this far from easy away match.
1 – Qualification for the Round of 16.
PSG can’t completely guarantee their place in the top 8, and thus the Round of 16, but it’s practically a done deal. It could even be secured by the end of the week depending on other results. In any case, qualifying without going through the playoffs must be PSG’s objective. A significant challenge, and one that’s certainly not unfamiliar to Sporting. A victory would be a huge coup. Even a point would be valuable in securing at least a playoff spot, which is far from a problem for Sporting. A great match to watch.
