Manchester City-PSG: bold calls in the official lineups
The Manchester City and PSG lineups are in. Luis Enrique shakes up his XI with Akliouche and Doue starting, while City field Donnarumma and Cherki.
Key takeaways
- PSG line-up features Matvey Safonov in goal with Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho and Nuno Mendes in defense; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha and Ruiz in midfield; Akliouche, Dembele and Doue in attack.
- Joao Neves starts on the PSG bench as a fitness precaution.
- City name Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Khusanov, Dias, Guehi and Gvardiol at the back; Enzo Fernandez and Anderson in midfield; Semenyo, Cherki and Doku supporting Erling Haaland up front.
- Cherki operates as the advanced playmaker for City, with Semenyo and Doku providing the wide support, and Haaland leading the line.
Match sheet
Manchester City 2 – 4 Paris Saint-Germain
· Ligue des champions · League Phase · Etihad Stadium
- 13' Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 15' Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 32' Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 53' Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — goal
- 61' Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) — yellow card
- 62' Maghnes Akliouche (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 69' Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain) — yellow card
- 75' Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — goal
Standings Ligue des champions : 1er, 9 pts (3 j.)
The teamsheets are now official at the Etihad Stadium for this Champions League fixture. They spring a few surprises, notably on the Parisian side where Luis Enrique reshuffles the pack from the start.
PSG lineup
In PSG’s goal, Matvey Safonov goes again, shielded by an expected back line: Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes out wide, Marquinhos alongside Willian Pacho in the middle. In midfield, the Spanish coach opts for Warren Zaire-Emery with Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. Joao Neves starts on the bench, his fitness deemed short of full.
PSG attacking for surprise
PSG’s attacking sector is heavily revamped. Ousmane Dembele returns to the starting lineup after being managed recently. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia does not start; Luis Enrique is turning to Maghnes Akliouche and Desire Doue to work the wings. Bold calls that reflect a desire to surprise the opposition from the off.
PSG XI
PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Akliouche, Dembele, Doue.
City lineup
Opposite, Pep Guardiola leans on a squad built for the very highest level. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma starts for a symbolic reunion with Paris. The back line is made up of Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Anderson form the duo tasked with providing balance. Ahead of them, Rayan Cherki operates as an advanced playmaker, supported on the flanks by Semenyo and Jeremy Doku. Erling Haaland leads the line.
Manchester City XI
Manchester City XI: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Enzo Fernandez, Anderson; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
Kick-off view
As kickoff approaches, the stage is set: decisive calls from Luis Enrique and a formidable-looking City XI. Now to the pitch to gauge the impact of these initial choices.
Your questions, our answers
Who starts in PSG’s goal?
Matvey Safonov goes again.
Which players are in PSG’s midfield?
Warren Zaire-Emery with Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz.
Who starts in goal for Manchester City?
Gianluigi Donnarumma starts.