PSG Faces Champions-Level Match Against Monaco, Says Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique anticipates a “Champions-level match” as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) prepares to face Monaco in Ligue 1. The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Stade Louis II. PSG holds a two-point lead over second-placed Marseille and aims to maintain their position at the top of the French league.

Monaco currently sits in eighth place, trailing by ten points and struggling with three consecutive losses. Despite their recent struggles, Enrique acknowledges the potential threat posed by Monaco. “They have a lot of individual quality,” he remarked in a pre-match press conference. “They play very well, and I appreciate their style. They are similar to us, and I don’t remember an easy match we’ve had against Monaco. It will be a Champions-level match.”

Recent Form and Key Players

PSG comes into this match following an impressive 5-3 victory over Tottenham in the Champions League. Vitinha was the standout player, netting a hat-trick. Tottenham’s coach Thomas Frank described him as the best midfielder in the world and noted his prospects for winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or after finishing third this year behind Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. Enrique echoed Frank’s sentiments, emphasizing Vitinha’s elite status among players worldwide.

“It’s very good for me to have a player with his talent,” Enrique added. “He loves to play football every day. We have managed his performance to adjust certain aspects. Vitinha is undoubtedly among the best in the world.”

Players to Watch

• Monaco – Folarin Balogun: Back from suspension, Balogun is Monaco’s top scorer with six goals this season across all competitions. He has scored in his last three matches.
• Paris Saint-Germain – Ousmane Dembélé: Dembélé has a strong record against Monaco, scoring seven goals in all competitions, matching his highest tally against any single opponent, which includes Brest.

Match Predictions and Insights

Statistically, PSG has scored at least three goals in eight away Ligue 1 matches this season, second only to Bayern Munich in the top five leagues. PSG remains undefeated in their last four Ligue 1 encounters against Monaco, with three wins and one draw after suffering four losses in the six matches prior.

Monaco’s recent form is concerning as they try to avoid a third consecutive defeat by three goals, having lost 4-1 to Lens and Rennes. They haven’t lost four straight league matches since September-October 2018.

Win Probability According to Opta

• Monaco: 21.3%
• Draw: 22.1%
• Paris Saint-Germain: 56.6%

As the match approaches, PSG’s strong position and Monaco’s need for a turnaround will make for an exciting contest. The stakes are high and both teams will be eager to perform at their best on Saturday.