VfB Stuttgart welcomes Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to MHPArena on January 29, 2025, for a decisive UEFA Champions League match with knockout stage places at stake. Both teams enter this clash needing points to secure their advancement, making this encounter one of the most significant for Stuttgart's recent history.
Stuttgart can secure their position within the Champions League round of 16 playoffs with a win against PSG. A draw could also suffice for both teams depending on other group results, but there's no room for complacency here. Currently, Stuttgart is positioned 24th with ten points, resulting from three wins, one draw, and three losses. They need at least one more victory to solidify their chances of progressing.
Both teams have demonstrated their abilities recently. Stuttgart showcased resilience by defeating Slovan Bratislava 3-1 on Matchday 7, even though they faced disappointment with their previous 2-0 loss to Mainz. Meanwhile, PSG enjoyed considerable success, winning five of their last six outings, capped off by a thrilling 4-2 triumph against Manchester City, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, and fans can stream the match live on Paramount+. Betting odds indicate PSG as the favorites (+175), with Stuttgart as the underdogs (+270), and draws priced at +135. Experts suggest both teams possess considerable scoring potential, predicting over 2.5 goals for the match.
Team lineups for the match display Stuttgart's commitment to success: Bredlow at goal with defensive support from Vagnoman, Al-Dakhil, Chabot, and Mittelstädt. Midfielders include Karazor and Stiller, with Leweling, Millot, and Führich supporting Undav up front. For PSG, Donnarumma leads the goal, backed by defenders Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Hernandez, along with Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, and Neves in midfield, with Dembele, Doue, and Barcola spearheading the attack.
Anthony Rouault will miss the action for Stuttgart due to suspension, and several other players, including El Bilal Toure and Dan-Axel Zagadou, are sidelined with injuries. This forces Stuttgart to adjust their squad, hoping to leverage Jamie Leweling's offensive capabilities alongside Enzo Millot, who has been pivotal for the team.
For PSG, manager Luis Enrique has managed player depth effectively, facing no significant injury concerns. Notably, he has rested some key players during their last domestic league match, ensuring they are fresh for this must-win match. With Nuno Mendes potentially facing suspension for yellow card accumulations, Enrique's strategy will be tested. Ousmane Dembele is expected to be pivotal, especially after his impressive showing against Manchester City.
Adding to the excitement of the match, Millot expressed the significance of facing PSG, stating, "It's very special for me. We're playing against one of the best teams from my country. We need to be very alert and fully on it if we're to win." This sentiment reverberates throughout Stuttgart's squad as they prepare for this intense matchup.
The stakes couldn't be higher: a victory for Stuttgart could not only boost their Champions League campaign but also solidify their place among Europe’s elite clubs. Conversely, PSG aims to maintain their momentum and prove they are contenders once again for the prestigious title, known as the 'Orejona.' Neither club can afford to stumble; otherwise, their aspirations for European glory could be dashed.
This formidable encounter promises to be explosive, blending urgency with the tactical sophistication expected of two top European teams. Fans from around the globe are gearing up to witness what could be the turning point for both teams. Tune in to see who can claim the upper hand and secure their path to the knockout phase. With the intensity of the competition remarkably palpable, the outcome remains uncertain, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.
For those unable to attend, catch the live stream on Paramount+ and stay updated via the CBS Sports Golazo Network, which provides extensive coverage of this high-stakes match.