With four points from five matches, Athletic are in 27th place in the league, two points above the relegation play-off places. Their performances in Europe have been sluggish so far, which can be explained by a difficult draw, with defeats against Arsenal (0-2), Dortmund (4-1) and Newcastle (2-0). After securing their first win, against Qarabağ (3-1), the Basques conceded a draw in their last outing away to Slavia Prague (0-0).
As for Paris Saint-Germain, the capital club has been shining since the start of its European campaign, with sparkling victories over Atalanta (4-0) ands away to Barcelona (2-1) and Bayer Leverkusen (7-2). After a setback at home to Bayern Munich (2-1), Les Rouge et Bleu bounced back with a crazy 5-3 win over Tottenham at the Parc des Princes last time out. With 12 points and a favourable goal difference, Paris are in second place in the standings.
1 - Athletic Bilbao and Paris Saint-Germain will face each other in the Champions League for the first time in their history. However, the two clubs have already met in an official match: in the group stage of the 2011-2012 Europa League.
3 - Les Rouge et Bleu have won their last three away games against Spanish teams in the Champions League: against Real Sociedad and Barcelona in 2024, then again against Barcelona this season.
6 - Vitinha has been involved in six goals in his last six Champions League matches with Paris (four goals, two assists).
Ernesto Valverde will be relying on goalkeeper Unai Simón, the Basque side's strongman, in goal, with fellow Spain international Dani Vivian in defence. It remains to be seen who will accompany the stopper, given the absences of the injured Aymeric Laporte and the suspended Aitor Paredes, while Unai Egiluz and Yeray Álvarez have been out of action for a long time.
There is also uncertainty concerning the wide defenders. At right-back, competition is in full swing between Jesús Areso, Iñigo Lekue and Andoni Gorosabel. On the opposite flank, it's a similar story between the youth of Adama Boiro (23) and the experience of former Parisian Yuri Berchiche (35). In midfield, three players are vying for two starting spots: Mikel Jauregizar, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Alejandro Rego.
While Jauregizar is the favourite, it remains to be seen who will support him, as Beñat Prados will not be playing. One step higher, Spanish international Oihan Sancet is expected to assume playmaking duties. Technically gifted and a leader on the pitch, the Atheltic academy graduate will be one of the Spanish side's main assets, along with Nico Williams.
The mercurial winger is back in action and will inevitably be expected to play on the left flank of the Leones' attack. His older brother and club captain Iñaki Williams is uncertain for the match, which could benefit Álex Berenguer on the right wing. Finally, at the forefront of the Spanish attack, Gorka Guruzeta seems to be holding his own in a squad still without Moroccan international Maroan Sannadi.
