Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the opening matches of the Club World Cup group stage will take place on Sunday evening at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, as French giants PSG face off against Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid. I’m backing goals in this clash, with an appealing odds offer on the table.
Match preview
The Parisian side heads into the debut of the new Club World Cup format in sensational form: five consecutive victories, including a commanding 5-0 demolition of Inter. Under Luis Enrique’s leadership, PSG have looked mature, balanced, and versatile—with the coach expertly adjusting tactics to suit each opponent. The attacking trio is in peak “combat readiness,” striking fear into any defense they encounter.
PSG’s key strength right now is flexibility: the team can press relentlessly or play pragmatically to protect a lead. Their efficiency in attack and reliability at the back make the French champions favorites not only for this match, but for the entire tournament. Their form, structure, and squad depth all point to PSG’s serious ambition—to win it all.
The Madrid club arrives in California as underdogs, but underestimating Diego Simeone’s squad would be a grave mistake. Atletico may lack consistency, but they can hit top gear when it matters most, as shown in their recent 4-0 win over Girona. The “Colchoneros’” main weapons are tactical discipline, resilience, and the ability to withstand pressure.
Simeone has been gradually moving away from a purely defensive setup, adding variety and attacking creativity to his team’s play. A mix of seasoned warriors and emerging talents makes Atletico a dangerous opponent, especially in clashes with elite clubs. Even if they’re not favorites, you can never write them off—especially in a tournament where every match carries maximum stakes.
Probable lineups
- PSG: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes – Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz – Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
- Atletico Madrid: Musso – Azpilicueta, Lenglet, Witsel, Molina – Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Lino – Griezmann, Alvarez
Match facts and head-to-head:
- In their most recent meeting, Atletico defeated PSG 2-1.
- Both teams have one win each from their two previous encounters.
- The “Both teams to score” bet has landed in three matches between these sides.
Prediction
Given PSG’s current form and tactical structure under Luis Enrique, the French club looks like the favorite in this pairing. Their attacking line is in fantastic shape, and their tactical flexibility gives them an extra edge. That said, Atletico have the tools to complicate matters with counterattacks and discipline, so expect goals on both sides. Our pick: “Both teams to score” at odds of 1.66.
