Previewing PSG's Tough Road to the Champions League Knockout Stage

An In-Depth Look at the Challenges Facing the French Giants

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been drawn into a challenging group for the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League knockout stage. The French champions will face off against Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Benfica in Group H, with the top two teams advancing to the Round of 16.

Bayern Munich – A Mountain to Climb

Undoubtedly the biggest obstacle in PSG's path is Bayern Munich. The German champions have won the Bundesliga for the last 11 seasons and have been crowned European champions six times. Bayern's squad is stacked with world-class talent, including Sadio Mané, Thomas Müller, and Joshua Kimmich.

PSG have a poor record against Bayern, having lost their last four meetings. In the 2020 Champions League final, Bayern famously crushed PSG 1-0. Overcoming this formidable opponent will be a major test for Christophe Galtier's team.

Inter Milan – A Resurgent Threat

Inter Milan have emerged as a resurgent force under Simone Inzaghi, winning the Serie A title in 2021 and finishing second last season. The Italian giants have added Romelu Lukaku to their squad for this season, bolstering their attacking threat.

PSG and Inter have met twice in recent years, with each team winning once. The French champions will need to be wary of Inter's counterattacking abilities and the threat posed by their in-form forwards.

Benfica – A Tricky Proposition

Benfica may not be as well-known as Bayern or Inter, but they are a dangerous opponent in their own right. The Portuguese champions have won the Primeira Liga 37 times and have a strong record in European competition.

PSG have never faced Benfica before, but the Portuguese side will be no pushovers. They have a talented squad and a passionate home crowd, which could make them a tough opponent for Galtier's men.

Conclusion

PSG's road to the Champions League knockout stage is a challenging one. They will need to overcome some of the best teams in Europe if they want to reach the latter stages of the competition. The French champions will need to be at their best if they want to overcome Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Benfica.