Why Paris Saint-Germain Will Win the Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain have been dominant in France for a while now, but it's fair to say they haven't really had the best of times in the Champions League in recent years.

For all the club's spending since the takeover back in 2011, PSG have failed to deliver on the biggest stage in Europe. The talent has always been there, but there has seemingly been a mental block and inability to fully trust in their abilities when their backs are up against the wall against the toughest opposition.

Their exits in 2016/17 and 2018/19 are prime examples of this.

Starting with 2016/17, PSG showed their class and dominance as they ran out 4-0 winners over Barcelona in the first leg of their last 16 tie. But then, well, we all know what happened, don't we?

It was a PSG capitulation of the highest order. Barça should never have even be allowed the chance to get back into the contest, but rather than adjusting their style to keep their opponents out, they naively played to the Catalan giants' strengths all evening. The result? A 6-1 humiliation.

PSG went home with their tails between their legs, but at least they will have learned their lessons, right? Well, actually, they didn't and this was clear to see when they were dumped out of the competition in 2018/19 by Manchester United at the last 16 stage again.

Having strolled to victory in the first leg, it was a case of 'more of the same, please' in the second game. But instead, United fought back to win the tie on away goals.

It has been a painful journey for the PSG faithful in Europe, but finally, this year appears to be different. Les Parisiens are now a different team, with a stronger mentality. This was clear for all to see in their last 16 tussle with Borussia Dortmund. PSG were very impressive in the group stages, finishing top ahead of Real Madrid, but this only led to greater pressure against Dortmund.

The Bundesliga giants took home a first leg advantage, winning 2-1. A PSG team from previous years likely would have failed to bounce back, instead putting in a tame performance to see their Champions League hopes fade away for another year. But this wasn't the case at all. Instead, they were professional, clinical, and, most importantly, clever as they picked up a 2-0 win to send them through to the quarter-finals.

In total in the Champions League this campaign, they have scored 20 goals from their eight games and have conceded just four times. This isn't a team that only knows where the goal is, they now have players who enjoy doing the 'dirty' defensive work as well.

This is one of the most united squads the club have had in a long time, with players happy both on and off the pitch. Take Neymar, for example. The Brazilian has been (tediously) linked with a return to Barcelona for a while, but he is now finally settled and focused on winning in Paris.

Former United midfielder Ander Herrera told COPE’s Tiempo de Juego (as quoted by Goal) back in May: “I had dinner with Neymar before the quarantine and he is very involved with the project. He told me that he has never been so happy in Paris."

There is a sole focus within this PSG squad now: to win. This unity within the squad and desire to succeed is what makes this year so different to previous seasons for the club in the Champions League.

When considering the above, as well as the draw for the rest of the tournament, the Ligue 1 champions have an excellent chance of winning the Champions League.

Now, I know what you're all thinking: what about Bayern Munich? Or Manchester City? Particularly the former are looking unstoppable at the moment, but only one of them can be in the final. Both teams will be very tough opponents, but should PSG reach the final two, they will feel fully confident they have the quality to win their first-ever Champions League such is their team spirit now.

Next up for PSG is a one-legged quarter-final tussle with Atalanta on Wednesday - a team who do score goals for fun, but also concede plenty. Les Parisiens come into the contest without Angel Di Maria (suspended), while Marco Verratti and Kylian Mbappe both face a race against time in order to be fit - although they have been included in the squad. The mere fact both players are in contention to feature is a major boost for this quadruple-seeking PSG team.

With the one-game shootout format, PSG will fancy their chances against any side they come up against. Not to mention, they also have the best route to the final, with either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid waiting in the last four if they overcome Atalanta. Should Paris play as they have done for large parts of the season, you would expect them to be too much for either side.

As peculiar as it may seem, PSG can actually be considered underdogs for the competition. Yes, despite their spending, squad depth and performances so far, they are in an unfavourable position. They have had to rely on friendly matches to keep their fitness levels up, whereas the majority of other teams will all be at peak match sharpness having just concluded their league seasons.

But Paris will have looked to use this to their advantage, as Thomas Tuchel had the freedom and time to improve aspects of his side's game that he may otherwise not have been able to do in more normal circumstances.

PSG have shown this season that not only do they have the tools to win big matches, they now also have the mental toughness to win games the 'hard' way - and this will only serve them well in the remainder of the competition.

On paper, it would appear as though the cards are stacked against them, considering their injury struggles and lack of match sharpness. But in reality, it's quite the opposite. The underdogs are raring to go, hungry for success and keen to right the wrongs of previous years.

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