PSG Arrive Like a Storm and Broken Bilbao Must Survive the Champions League Nightmare
Bilbao Facing Their Toughest Night Yet
Athletic Bilbao are struggling badly in this season’s Champions League, and their challenge only gets harder as the defending champions PSG arrive at San Mamés. Bilbao have failed to score in three of their five matches so far, and another blank would mark the first time in club history that they fail to score in three straight European games in a single season.
Their weekend win over Atlético Madrid thanks to a late goal brings some hope, and they have lost only once in their last four competitive matches. But at home they remain unpredictable, switching between wins and losses without a clear pattern. Against a team like PSG, inconsistency is dangerous.
PSG Look Unstoppable Again
PSG suffered a 1–2 defeat against Bayern in the fourth round, but immediately bounced back with a wild 5–3 victory against Tottenham. With four Champions League wins already, they are marching toward automatic qualification. No club in history has ever won more Champions League games in a single calendar year than the thirteen PSG already have — and they are not done yet.
Their confidence is sky-high after smashing Rennes 5–0 in Ligue 1, and they come into Spain riding a run of three straight away wins in the Champions League. One of those was the stunning 7–2 demolition of Leverkusen. This PSG side is not just winning — they are overwhelming teams.
History Favors the Home Team… But Form Favors PSG
In both previous meetings between these clubs, the home side won. But Bilbao’s record against French opposition is worrying — only one win in their last seven European matches. PSG, meanwhile, have won three European away games in a row against Spanish opponents.
This matchup feels very different from the past: PSG look powerful, fast and ruthless, while Bilbao still search for consistency.
Goals, Trends and What to Expect
Bilbao’s matches have become tight affairs. None of their last seven competitive games saw both teams score, and three of their last four home games finished 1–0. They defend well, but they struggle to create.
PSG, on the other hand, score freely. They have hit more goals in the Champions League group phase than any other team — nineteen already — and they often start fast, scoring inside the first twenty minutes in four of their last five away games in Europe.
Players Who Could Change Everything
Álex Berenguer is Bilbao’s main spark right now, with a goal, two assists and a booking in his last three matches. His winner against Atlético was the seventh straight goal he scored after the 50th minute.
PSG star Vitinha is in top form after his hat-trick versus Tottenham, contributing six goal involvements in his last six Champions League games. Four of his five goals this season came after halftime, making him especially dangerous later in matches.
Bilbao miss Aitor Paredes due to suspension, while PSG travel without Lucas Hernandez, who was sent off against Tottenham.
