PSG, a favorable history against the Germans
Facing a German club has generally smiled at PSG so far. Throughout its history, the Capital club has faced a team from across the Rhine 15 times. For a record of 9 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses. By observing this more closely, we realize that Paris qualified during each of its 2 double knockout confrontations against the Germans (against Wolfsburg in the 16th finals of the Europa League in 2009 and against Leverkusen in 8th of Champions League final in 2014). We also note that there were 2 matches against Dortmund. For 2 draws (1-1 and 0-0 in the group stage of the Europa League).
PSG: 3 and a half months almost perfect
Just before facing Dortmund, PSG conceded a draw, with a revamped team, at the penultimate of L1, Amiens (4-4). Not enough to alter the confidence that must inhabit the players of Thomas Tuchel. Because they are on a remarkable series of 23 matches in all competitions without defeat (20 wins and 3 draws). They have not lost since November 1, 2019 (2-1 in Dijon). And since that date, they have scored 77 times for only 15 goals conceded.
»READ ALSO - The" yellow wall ", the platform that scares all of football in Europe
Defense, the best asset of PSG
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the Fantastic 4 in L1. Mbappé, Neymar, Di Maria and Icardi. But, for the Champions League, the real strong point of PSG may lie elsewhere. During the group stage, Thomas Tuchel's men especially shone thanks to the solidity of their defense. They managed 5 clean sheets in 6 games and conceded only 2 goals against Real Madrid. PSG is the team that has conceded the fewest goals in the competition this season (2). Dortmund conceded 8 goals in the group stage.
Mbappé, an exceptional performance in the Champions League
Kylian Mbappé has not yet won the Champions League. But that doesn't stop him from shining in this competition. The French world champion presents a remarkable statistical assessment at European level. At 21, he has already played 30 games. This allowed him to score 19 times and deliver 11 assists. He is therefore involved in 1 goal per match on average in the event.
»READ ALSO - Thiago Silva, symbol of PSG's (small) uncertainties
Dortmund undefeated at home this season
If PSG manages to impose itself during this round of 16 first leg of the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park, the Paris club will have achieved a very big performance. Because, so far, Dortmund has never lost this season at home. The current Bundesliga second has played 16 matches in all competitions. For a record of 12 wins and 4 draws. To find traces of the last setback for the German club in its stadium, we must go back to April 27 (2-4 against Schalke in the Bundesliga).
»READ ALSO - Why Dortmund will not recognize" his "Thomas Tuchel
Dortmund, a blazing attack in 2020
For Paris, the main mission on Tuesday will be to contain the offensive assaults of this team from Dortmund. Because this is the real highlight of the German club this season. In 32 matches played in all competitions, Lucien Favre's men have scored 79 times. Almost 2.5 goals / match. In addition, this ratio increased sharply in 2020, with 24 achievements in 6 contested matches. Or an average of 4 goals / match.
63 - @ BlackYellow's 63 goals after 22 matchdays are a joint #Bundesliga record with Bayern 1973-74 and Hamburg 1981-82. Power. # BVBSGEpic.twitter.com / S8uN9dj5Nc
- OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) February 14, 2020 Haaland, dazzling stats at 19
Erling Haaland, the new figurehead of this Dortmund, will of course have all eyes on him. And for good reason, his record since his arrival in Dortmund in the winter transfer window is just exceptional. The 19-year-old Norwegian striker scored in 5 of his 6 games in all competitions with his new club. For a total of 9 goals. In line with his first part of the season in Salzburg which had allowed him to register 28 goals in 22 matches (including 8 in 6 matches in the Champions League).
Read also
- The "yellow wall", the platform that scares all of football in Europe