On Thursday evening, two time defending UEFA Champions League winners PSG found out their eight opponents in this seasons league phase of the competition.
PSG have made absolutely no secret of the fact that they are targeting history this season - to become one of just four different clubs to have won the UEFA Champions League three times in a row, after Real Madrid (x2), AFC Ajax and Bayern Munich.
Despite winning the trophy on back to back occasions, the new league phase has been difficult for Luis Enrique's side, needing to qualify through the play-off round on both occasions. Still, two campaigns since the league phase was introduced, two Champions League titles won for PSG. So far, so good.
As for the same stage of the competition this year, well the Parisians now know their eight opponents that they will be playing, six times before Christmas and then two times in the new year, as the draw was officially made just a few minutes ago.
Indeed so, PSG have been officially drawn against: FC Barcelona (home), Manchester City (away), AS Roma (home), Aston Villa (away), Galatasaray (home), Villarreal (away), Slovan Bratislava (home), and Como (away).
Very interesting and exciting draw indeed. The pot two teams could have been worse, especially Manchester City. To avoid Real Madrid and Bayern Munich is always handy. There is the narrative of Ferran Torres against his former club, as well as Luis Enrique.
There is the rematch of the 24/25 quarter final tie as well as this year's UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa, and another reunion for both Unai Emery and Lucas Digne. It is always handy to play Galatasaray at home rather than away, considering the common disparity between their results in Turkey and outside of Turkey.
It's great to see Roma back in the Champions League after nearly a decade away, and that is another reunion for Enrique, and Marquinhos too. To get drawn against Como from pot 4 feels somewhat like drawing the short straw, but not bad overall.
Although Villarreal are domestically a very good side, they struggled badly in the Champions League last season, and Slovan Bratislava, with all due respect, is a pretty decent game to have for PSG.
So, there you have it, the draw in full. The games are not necessarily in the above order, that is just how they were drawn. Once the kick off dates and times are officially confirmed by UEFA, we will make sure to keep you all fully posted.
