Paris Saint-Germain’s quest for an allusive UEFA Champions League crown remains on track in 2022/23.
The French giants, however, surprisingly finished second in their group to make their knockout round path that much harder.
PSG seemed destined to finish first in Group H after four wins and two draws, but Benfica pipped them at the post after a 6-1 win over Maccabi Haifa saw them edge ahead on away goals.
That dramatic result leaves PSG in a more precarious positions as they chase their first Champions League title. They will now be drawn against a group stage winner, meaning their upcoming opponent could be a tough out.
MORE: When is the Champions League round of 16 draw?
PSG Champions League round of 16 potential fixtures
Because PSG finished second in their group, they will now face a group winner in the round of 16.
Benfica are automatically ruled out having been in their group, so that leaves seven clubs PSG could be drawn against.
Among them, reigning champions Real Madrid and Premier League title holders Manchester City loom as sides Christophe Galtier won’t want his side to draw.
A kinder result would see PSG face either Porto and Tottenham in the Round of 16, although all Champions League knockout stage opponents present a unique challenge.
Potential round of 16 opponents for PSG:
- Napoli
- Porto
- Bayern Munich
- Tottenham
- Chelsea
- Real Madrid
- Manchester City
At 23 years 316 days old, Paris Saint-Germain forward @KMbappe is the youngest player to hit the 40-goal mark in the @ChampionsLeague, a record previously set by Lionel Messi at 24 years 130 days. 🙌❤️💙#JUVPSG pic.twitter.com/IYVXCKpmgl
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 2, 2022
PSG Champions League round of 16 schedule
As group runners-up, PSG will play the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie at home.
These matches are scheduled to take place on either February 14/15 or February 21/22.
PSG will be the away side for the second leg which will be played on either March 7/8 or March 14/15.
Due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Champions League is taking a bigger break than usual between the group stages and knockout rounds.
MORE: How much money do Champions League teams win?
PSG Champions League history
Since the start of the UEFA Champions League, PSG are yet to win the competition and have made just one final where they lost to Bayern Munich in 2019/20.
PSG have made it past the group stages each season for the past 10 years but have only progressed further than the quarter-finals twice during that time.
Season | Round |
---|---|
2021/22 | Round of 16 |
2020/21 | Semifinals |
2019/20 | Final |
2018/19 | Round of 16 |
2017/18 | Round of 16 |
2016/17 | Round of 16 |
2015/16 | Quarterfinals |
2014/15 | Quarterfinals |
2013/14 | Quarterfinals |
2012/13 | Quarterfinals |
2004/05 | Group stage |
2000/01 | Group stage |
1997/98 | Group stage |
1995/95 | Semifinals |
PSG odds to win Champions League 2022/23
Despite their lack of ultimate success in the competition, PSG are viewed as a genuine Champions League contender this season.
With Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe all clicking up front, they will no doubt take some stopping.
Messi and Neymar have already achieved UCL success too so could help PSG overcome their current curse.
Manchester City are viewed as the current favourites to win the Champions League this season with Erling Haaland simply unstoppable in front of goal. Bayern Munich are right behind them after having romped through a difficult group.
Champions League winner odds for 2022/23
BetMGM (USA) |
Sports Interaction (Canada) |
SkyBet (UK) |
LadBrokes (Australia) |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Man City | +200 | 2.35 | 7/4 | 3.00 |
Bayern Munich | +450 | 5.11 | 11/2 | 6.50 |
PSG | +700 | 6.93 | 7/1 | 8.00 |
Liverpool | +800 | 7.52 | 8/1 | 8.00 |
Real Madrid | +900 | 8.62 | 10/1 | 11.00 |
Chelsea | +1400 | 12.76 | 14/1 | 15.00 |
Napoli | +1400 | 12.82 | 14/1 | 15.00 |
Tottenham | +1600 | 13.45 | 18/1 | 21.00 |
Benfica | +2200 | 23.64 | 28/1 | 29.00 |
Inter Milan | +4000 | 31.42 | 50/1 | 41.00 |