Many Paris Saint-Germain supporters rejoiced when the club drew Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League but captain Thiago Silva is doing his part to keep things in perspective.
The 35-year-old understands that any team that makes it to this stage of the Champions League is a formidable opponent and knocking them out won’t be an easy task. Furthermore, Silva explained to PSG TV that the Italian club’s attack can create problems for the French giants.
“This is the Champions League, and each team will have deserved to be in the quarterfinals,” Silva said. “Atalanta is a team that poses a lot of problems for its opponents. His three attackers are very fast, so it will be difficult. It will be an open match because it is a team that plays well at the ball, and so do we. I think the most realistic team will win this meeting. We will first think of our friendlies. If we do a good preparation, we can reach a high level because we have high-level players. It will, therefore, be necessary to work well, to prepare well before competing in the two national cup finals, which are very important. The group is aware of this.”
Atalanta is currently averaging nearly three goals per game. In a single-elimination format, Silva understands that PSG will need to tighten up defensively. Surrendering three goals to La Dea is one thing that the capital club cannot do over 90 minutes.
From statistics provided from Wyscout, the Ligue 1 champions have conceded 9.6 total shots on target. When it comes to the goals, the defense is barely giving up a goal per game. It will be interesting to see if PSG can keep Atalanta’s offense quiet.
Perhaps a similar game plan in which the capital club kept Erling Haaland and Borussia Dortmund silent in the Round of 16 can be applied for this quarter-finals matchup.
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