Troyes – Paris Saint-Germain: PSG Stumble Over The Line To Close Victory (1-2)

If football was played out on paper, PSG were the outstanding favorites to take the three points on the opening matchday of the Ligue 1 season. Alas, in a sport that pits collectives against each other, the organization of the hosts gave rise to a tight contest that leaves the Parisians with much to work on going forwards.
Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Rarely have the stakes been higher for PSG ahead of a new season. At a club where the pursuit of European glory holds more weight than most, stellar signings have molded an outfit fit for purpose. But another rap around the knuckles from Lille was a stern signal that no success is assured. Now, the Parisians looked to bounce back and hit the ground running in their hunt to regain the Ligue 1 crown.

For their hosts, the meaning of success could not be any more different. Troyes made their return to Ligue 1 after three seasons out of the top flight: a familiar tale for a club who have dropped out of the division three times in the last seven years. Expectations were low here for a side whose objective was survival, but the Trophée des Champions offered a glimmer of hope. Could they catch PSG cold?

Mauricio Pochettino fielded the Parisians in a 4-3-3 shape. He made two tweaks to the starting eleven that started the Trophée des Champions clash against Lille last time out. Another of the club's summer buys, Georginio Wijnaldum, made his first start for the team . . .