Estadio da Luz is the stadium for the first game in the Champions League quarterfinals as Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain battle it out for a place in the semifinals. 19:00 GMT is the kickoff time for this promising encounter as the football world will tune in to see which one of these teams will move a step closer to cup glory.
Atalanta outclassed Valencia in the last-16 stage, running riot in both home and away matches. Josip Ilicic was the star player of the tie, netting five goals across both legs, as his side ran out 8-4 winners on aggregate.
Les Parisiens were also impressive last time in their last-16 tie as they eliminated a vibrant Borrusia Dortmund squad. Erling Haaland put his side in a good position by netting a brace in the first leg while Neymar grabbed his side’s solitary goal. Thomas Tuchel’s troops successfully overturned the one-goal deficit in the second leg as his team ran out 2-0 winners- 3-2 on aggregate - courtesy of goals from Neymar and Juan Bernat.
Although Atalanta finished third in the Serie A, this season has by far been their best ever, netting 98 goals in the league- the highest return for any Italian team in a top-flight season.
Prior to their loss against Internazionale on the final day, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side had not lost in 19 games- The highest ever for any Atalanta side. The Italian outfit will be bidding to win their first-ever UCL title in their first-ever UCL campaign. However, they would have a big fish to fry come Wednesday.
Les Parisiens, on the other hand, are heading into this one after completing the domestic treble against Lyon just two weeks ago. They're also going in search of their first-ever European title after disappointing results in the last few years. They would feel that they can win the coveted cup this season after ending their three-year run of misery in the round of 16 stages against Dortmund.
Josip Ilicic who is their top scorer in the competition this season will be unavailable for this clash following personal reasons. Pierluigi Gollini is their only other injury casualty as he ruled out with a knee problem. With regards to the French outfit, Angel Di Maria is suspended while Marco Verratti is out injured. Kylian Mbappe is rated doubtful following his knee injury.
Atalanta vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction : 1-2
Goals are expected to rain on Wednesday night judging by the style of play of both outfits. Given that this would also be the first meeting between the two clubs, both sides will feel that they can nick it. However, we tip the tie slightly in favour of the French Champions who are expected to narrowly come out on top.