This Wednesday, seven Portuguese players among the 12 teams that will start the Champions League group stage this Wednesday could be asked to play the first European minutes of their season. Highlights.
Paulo Bernardo – Celtic
Paulo Bernardo, who was loaned to Celtic last season, has officially moved from Benfica to the Scottish club this summer. Against Slovan Bratislava, the 22-year-old midfielder could make his 12th Champions League appearance (5 with Benfica, 6 with Celtic). A rotational player, it cannot be ruled out that he could start the match on the bench. For the few who want to follow this meeting, it will be broadcast on Canal+ Live 4. Kick-off is at 9 p.m.
Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain
After suffering an ankle injury during the international break with Portugal, Vitinha returns to the Paris Saint-Germain squad to face Girona, having missed the match against Stade Brestois. Good news for Luis Enrique, who indicated last May that he was the best Parisian last season.It remains to be seen whether he will be able to start from the beginning or whether caution will be the better option for him.
Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain
Unlike Vitinha, Nuno Mendes It will certainly start on Wednesday evening. When he is not injured – which was the case for a long time last season – the 22-year-old full-back is essential for his team. Against Brest, he was still guilty of a penalty and will certainly try to redeem himself in front of his fans who cherish him so much.
Joao Neves – Paris Saint-Germain
The third and last Portuguese available at PSG (Goncalo Ramos injured). João Neves (19 years old) arrived this summer from Benfica and is already impressive for his maturity and adaptation. This season, he has played four matches, providing the most assists. Last season, he played in all of Encarnados' Champions League matches and made a strong impression against teams like Inter Milan and Real Sociedad. Would you like to repeat the feat this evening against another Spanish team?
Bernardo Silva – Manchester City
If Bernardo Silva is rested against Brentford this weekend, he should almost certainly start against Manchester City at Inter Milan. It will be his 88th Champions League appearance (18 with Monaco, 69 with the Sky Blues). Last season, the 30-year-old midfielder/winger scored twice in the competition, including a damaging free-kick against the Blues. real madridHowever, many will remember the penalty he missed against this same opponent, during the second leg of the quarter-final.
Ruben Dias – Manchester City
He also started on the bench against Brentford this weekend. Citizens' defensive coach Ruben Dias will play his 41st game under Pep Guardiola in C1. At the beginning of September, he was voted the Ballon d'Or, a testament to his excellent form in blue.
Matheus Nunes – Manchester City
Matheus Nunes also started the match on the bench against Brentford. But unlike his compatriots, it is a technical choice by his coach. Bought for over sixty million euros in the summer of 2023, the Portuguese midfielder is not one of Pep's first choices and has not started a single match this season (nine starts in the league this year). Tonight should be the same. Note that the second year under Pep Guardiola is often synonymous with the success of new faces. Let's see what happens this year.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
