PSG vs. Benfica Preview

Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica both opened Champions League play in Group C with victories. PSG went on the road and crushed Olympiakos, while the Aguias scored a home win over Anderlecht. Now, the group leaders will face off in Paris.

Led by Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG are off to a very strong start to the new campaign. They remain unbeaten through nine matches across Ligue 1 and Champions League play, elevating hopes for the big-spending club.

To keep pace with PSG, Benfica will need to rebound quickly from a frustrating Primeira Liga draw with Belenenses at home. If the club brings similar form to the Parc des Princes, PSG should be on cruise control by the start of the second half.

With that in mind, let's examine all the key information for the UCL clash, followed by a breakdown of the top storyline and a match prediction.

Top Storyline: Which Club Will Take Control of Group C?
Paris Saint-Germain have made steady progress in recent years. They finally returned to the pinnacle of Ligue 1 last season, winning the title by 12 points. Now, the side looks ready to carry that success over to European play.

The addition of Cavani can't be overstated. While Ezequiel Lavezzi provided a serviceable option alongside Ibrahimovic, the Uruguayan superstar brings another world-class forward into the mix and takes a lot of pressure off the Swedish striker.

Although the pair is still building chemistry, the upside is tremendous, and they have already brought a new level of attacking presence to the pitch. PSG must lean heavily on the attack against Benfica, which will likely hunker down defensively and rely on counterattacks on the road.

The Aguias have the ability to play that style of match extremely well. Luisao leads a steady back line, Lazar Markovic and Oscar Cardozo headline an underrated attack, and Enzo Perez serves as the pivot man in the middle.

If they can shut down the PSG attack in the early going and start to frustrate Ibrahimovic and Co., those counterattacking opportunities should become available as their Ligue 1 foes get more aggressive. So the match for Benfica comes down to surviving that initial surge.

While they would love to capture all three points, even a road draw would be a great result. On the flip side, PSG can take firm control of the group by winning at home.

Prediction

Benfica might have been looking ahead to the clash with PSG before taking on Belenenses, but the result is still troublesome. A club wants to head into a key match on a high note, not after a draw with a side near the bottom of the table.

Paired with PSG's continued strong form and the fact they are playing at home, Benfica's poor showing against Belenenses gives the French club the advantage. It should be able to break down the Benfica defensive wall en route to three points and a spot all alone atop Group C.

Paris Saint-Germain 2, Benfica 1