Top 5 reasons to watch Athletic Bilbao v PSG | OneFootball

Here is our saga. The 5 good reasons to follow a match (with a few adaptations at times). Before each game, we’ll go over the appealing aspects with a mix of seriousness and humor. Please note, this is not meant to be an exhaustive overview. We continue here with the Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) match this Wednesday against Athletic Bilbao (27th) at the San Mamés Stadium for the 6th matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League (kick-off at 9pm, Athletic Bilbao/PSG broadcast on Canal+).

5. An original fixture.

In a Champions League where you can sometimes feel like you’re always facing the same teams, here is an opponent Paris hasn’t met in a while. It was during the 2011-2012 season in the Europa League group stage. A different era, with some bad memories.

First a 2-0 defeat, then a 4-2 win on the last matchday, which still wasn’t enough to finish 2nd. This is a chance to rediscover the Basque club and, ideally, to create better memories.

4. Nuno Mendes returns.

It’s hard to know if he’ll start, but the 23-year-old left-back is in the squad after a period of great caution. So it’s not impossible, and it’s a great asset to have. Especially since Lucas Hernandez is suspended. Especially since the Portuguese player has extraordinary qualities and changes the team’s attacking potential.

3. Désiré Doué as well.

The 20-year-old midfielder/forward most likely won’t start after his long muscular injury. However, it’s already excellent to see him back in competition. We can hope for him to come on during the match, bringing all his talent to serve the team. There are already great things in this team, but Doué is undeniably a special weapon and we’re delighted to see him back.

2. Secure the playoff spot…

With 12 points, compared to 6 for 25th place (Union Saint-Gilloise) and the first team not qualified for the playoffs, PSG’s spot is almost guaranteed. But to avoid any calculations, they need to aim for victory. That way, it will be fully secured and even a possible role among the seeded teams in the draw. It’s not the ultimate goal, but it’s a good step to validate as soon as possible.

On the other side, Bilbao is fighting to be among the top 24 and really needs points to avoid being forced to win both remaining games while watching their rivals’ results in the last two matchdays. Enough to promise an intense match.

1. …and aim for the top 8.

For PSG, a win would even solidify their place in the top 8. 9th place Manchester City has 10 points. Everything can still change very quickly. So, there’s no room for complacency and they need to move forward as quickly as possible. A win would bring some peace of mind before facing Sporting Portugal (January 20) and Newcastle (January 28).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.