As the Ligue 1 season reaches its climax, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) prepares to face Montpellier at Stade de la Mosson on May 10, 2025, at 19:00 UTC. This matchup comes on the heels of PSG's 2-1 victory over Arsenal, which secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan on May 31. While PSG has already clinched the Ligue 1 title with an impressive 78 points, Montpellier finds itself in a precarious position, having been relegated with only 16 points this season.
PSG's head coach, Luis Enrique, has opted for a strategic rotation of his squad, resting seven key players for this encounter. Notable absences include goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defenders Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos, and midfielder Vitinha, among others. These players are expected to return to training next week, allowing them to recuperate before the critical finals ahead. Enrique emphasized the importance of managing player fatigue: "Our strategy revolves around managing playing time and travel across the season. We aim to balance these elements to approach the Champions League and Coupe de France finals in optimal condition," he stated during a recent press conference.
This decision to rest key players highlights PSG's focus on their upcoming challenges. With the Ligue 1 title secured, the team is keen on preparing for the Champions League final and the Coupe de France final against Stade de Reims on May 24. Enrique's approach aims to ensure that players are mentally and physically ready for the season's climax.
In contrast, Montpellier enters this match with nothing but pride at stake. Having endured a disappointing season, they are determined to salvage some dignity against the league champions. Historically, Montpellier has struggled against PSG, winning only 12 of their last 57 encounters, with PSG claiming victory 28 times. Despite the odds, Montpellier will look to exploit any complacency from the visitors.
Interestingly, Montpellier has shown a unique scoring pattern this season, with 32% of their goals coming in the final minutes of matches. However, they have also struggled to find the net in the earlier stages, registering only 5% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minutes, the lowest percentage in the league. This trend could play a crucial role as they face a PSG side that has been dominant throughout the season.
As for PSG's lineup, it is expected to feature several academy products, giving younger players a chance to prove themselves on the big stage. Reports suggest a likely formation including Matvey Safonov in goal, with Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Beraldo, Axel Tape, and Yoram Zague in defense. The midfield may consist of Kang-in Lee, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Senny Mayulu, while the attacking trio could feature Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Enrique's decision to rotate the squad has been met with mixed reactions, as some fans express concern over the team's competitiveness in a match where they are heavy favorites. However, the coach remains confident in his strategy, highlighting the importance of rest: "Being mentally ready is key to competitiveness," he noted.
Ousmane Dembélé, despite being the team's leading scorer, is also likely to feature after a limited role against Arsenal due to a thigh injury. Enrique confirmed that Dembélé is eager to play, stating, "Ousmane is in great spirits and trained with the team today. He wanted to be here, and while the staff had approved a rest period, we respect his choice to participate." This underscores the competitive spirit within the squad, even as the team prepares for significant upcoming fixtures.
The match against Montpellier will serve as a final tune-up for PSG before they embark on their quest for European glory. As the team looks to maintain peak performance levels, the clash with Montpellier will provide an opportunity for squad members to gain valuable match experience and readiness for the finals.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the atmosphere at Stade de la Mosson is expected to be electric, albeit with Montpellier fans hoping for a miracle against the odds. With the stakes high for PSG, who are eyeing their first Champions League trophy, every minute will count as they navigate this final stretch of the season.
In conclusion, the match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with PSG's focus on rest and recovery clashing against Montpellier's quest for redemption. As the teams take to the pitch, all eyes will be on how PSG's youthful lineup performs against a side desperate to end their season on a high note.
