Paris Saint-Germain– Atlético Madrid: PSG In Peril? (1-2)

The Champions League has been a competition of perpetual pain for both of these teams. But in a classic contest of attack against defense, a sobering stat line may reveal new depths of despair. As one of the managers knows all too well, football is a game that rewards efficiency in the box. Despite 22 shots and 71% possession, his men ended the clash without any points to their name.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

The new Champions League format increases the jeopardy for the favorites from the outset of the competition. For two of the big clubs, it looks like just a new way to suffer heartbreak in Europe.

Qatari investment pushed the Parisians clear of the chasing pack in France. But it will not be complete until the Champions League trophy comes to the capital. Following a catalogue of failures, a different direction has emerged. As Kylian Mbappé flew the nest to Madrid, the club did not carry on with its vanity project. The interest lies in raising more stars for tomorrow rather than babying the idols of today. The question remains: to what extent will this strategy deliver the goods on the grand stage?

Atlético Madrid's rise relied on more humble roots. It is a little over ten years since Diego Simeone swiped Spanish rulership from Barcelona and nearly beat Real Madrid in the Champions League final. An unyielding fixation on clean sheets and a workmanlike attitude brought . . .