RB Salzburg and Paris Saint-Germain are about to lock horns tonight in search of crucial points in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. The Austrian side will host the French outfit at the Red Bull Football Arena in Salzburg, Austria as the match is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 AM IST. 

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of RB Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. 

Match Details 

Match: RB Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match

Date: 11 December 2024

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Red Bull Arena Stadium, Salzburg, Austria

How to watch the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between RB Salzburg and Paris Saint-Germain

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

Team News

RB Salzburg

RB Salzburg have failed to perform consistently both in the Austrian Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season, and they have a mammoth task in front of them as they are set to face the French champions. Former Liverpool assistant manager Pepijin Lijnders joined the club as head coach this summer, but could not produce the expected result as of now. 

Die Roten Bullen have lost 4 out of their five UCL outings this season, as their only win came against Feyenoord in November. Salzburg also faced a distressing 0-5 thrashing against Bayern Leverkusen in their last Champions League appearance. Conceding 15 goals in 5 UCL matches so far, Salzburg are positioned 32nd with only 3 points by their name. 

⏳ #SALPSG pic.twitter.com/OqNGrRCspn

— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) December 9, 2024

RB Salzburg are also struggling in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, as they are in the 5th position in the league table, having bagged 23 points in 15 matches. The team has managed to win only one win in their last five outings across all competitions; the game against Paris Saint-Germain can be a turning point in their tumultuous season.

Coach Pepijin Lijnders will have to exclude important players from the squad against PSG, such as Maurits Kjærgaard, Aleksa Terzic, Karim Konaté, Leandro Morgalla, and Kamil Piatkowski who are suffering from different injuries. 

Unsere letzte Begegnung mit @PSG_inside 🔙🥹#SALPSG pic.twitter.com/UoKLe8PcIZ

— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) December 10, 2024

The qualification hopes for RB Salzburg are gradually fading away and they will surely step up to keep their chances alive before the last two games in the UCL group phase. 

Last 5 Matches: L L D W D 

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain are on a 3-match winless streak across all competitions and are struggling to conjugate in the UCL this season. The team has accumulated only 4 points in 5 UCL matches and stands in the 25th position in the league table. The Parisian side has lost two back-to-back UCL matches against Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, and their time is running out to save their qualification hopes. 

📸⚽️ Pre-match training for our Parisians in Salzburg!#SALPSG I #UCL ✨ pic.twitter.com/A7iK9ucsDo

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) December 9, 2024

However, the tussles between coach Luis Enrique and players such as Donnarumma and Dembele have surely affected the environment of the team, but the French side will give their all to break their winless streak. PSG only managed to win one game in their UCL campaign this season, against Girona in the opening match-day. To keep their qualification hopes alive, PSG must win this game to stay in the knockout scenario. 

Coach Luis Enrique will have to set the team roster without the services of Ousmane Dembele who is suspended for the game. Senny Mayulu, Lucas Hernández, and Presnel Kimpembe will miss the match due to different injuries. 

The squad for the trip to Salzburg! 📋🔴🔵#UCL | @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/5Yl0h9rJrX

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) December 9, 2024

The Parisian side will try their ultimate best to turn their season around from this point, and Luis Enrique will also find a way to dilute the mounting pressure on him. 

Last 5 Matches: W W L D D 

Head-to-head

Matches played: 2

Rb Salzburg Wins: 1 

Paris Saint-Germain Wins: 1

Draws: 0

Possible Playing XI

RB Salzburg

Alexander Schlager (GK); Nicolas Capaldo, Daouda Guindo, Samson Baidoo, Amar Dedić; Mads Bidstrup, Lucas Gourna-Douath; Bobby Clark, Osacr Gloukh, Adam Daghim; Petar Ratkov

Paris Saint-Germain

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK); Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Lee Kang-In, Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola

RB Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain: Fantasy XI Prediction

Donnarumma, Hakimi, Mendes, Capaldo, Baidoo, Vitinha, Barcola, Ratkov, Clark, Zaire-Emery, Neves. 

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 is heading into its sixth match-week of the group phase as the qualification race is shaping up. The sixth match-week of the breathtaking UCL nights will commence with some nail-biting clashes on the very first matchday. Defending champions Real Madrid are going to take on a formidable Atalanta side at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy on 11 December 2024. The two teams recently faced off in the UEFA Super Cup Final in August, where Real Madrid won 2-0.

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of Atalanta vs Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. 

Match Details 

Match: Atalanta vs Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match

Date: 11 December 2024

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy 

How to watch the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between Atalanta vs Real Madrid

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

Team News

Atalanta

Atalanta have proved themselves as one of the most formidable sides to face this season, having won nine out of their last nine games across all competitions. The Nerazzurris have faced their last defeat against Como in the Serie A in September. Since then, Atalanta have beaten stalwarts such as Napoli, AS Roma, and AC Milan in the Serie A. Currently, they are leading the Serie A table with 34 points in 15 games. 

Atalanta are coming to their sixth UCL outing this season after back-to-back huge wins against AS Roma and AC Milan in their last game. They are remarkably one of three teams to stay undefeated so far in the Champions League this season. Atalanta is currently positioned 5th in the UCL table, having earned 11 points in 5 matches with 3 wins and 2 draws on the way. The Nerazzurris have won their last two UCL outings against Stuttgart and Young Boys, which will boost their confidence before taking on the reigning champions. 

🏃🔋🔥#AtalantaRealMadrid #UCL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/pLSLoLOJxx

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 9, 2024

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has the same squad from the AC Milan game at his disposal, and there can be some changes in the starting eleven as well. Gasperini still can not acquire the services of Gianluca Scamacca, Juan Cuadrado, and Giorgio Scalvini who are suffering from long-term injuries. Davide Zappacosta is on the squad but he is also doubtful for the game against Madrid.

I 22 convocati per la sfida ai Blancos ⚔️

Our squad list for tomorrow's clash 🔥#AtalantaRealMadrid #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/gx5GwI4p9Q

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 9, 2024

Atalanta are on a 9-match winning streak; which will surely be feared by the opponents and the Italian side will capitalize on their home advantage. They will also look for revenge for their defeat against Madrid in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup final in August. 

Last 5 Matches:  W W W W W 

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are in a turmoiled situation in the Champions League scenario this season, with 3 defeats in 5 games so far. However, no one can scrap them on a UCL night, especially when they are on the brink of despair. The Los Blancos always excel under pressure and they will try their best to do so after two consecutive defeats against AC Milan and Liverpool in the Champions League. 

🎯 #UCL 🎯
📺 INSIDE TRAINING 👉 #RMPlay
🔗 https://t.co/MzhEDGLTvC

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 9, 2024

Madrid are heading into the Atalanta game after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Girona in the LaLiga, as they are currently second in the league with 36 points in 16 matches. However, the face-off against Atalanta is a crucial game for the Blancos, as they are standing in the 24th position in the UCL table with 6 points in 5 games; with 2 wins and 3 defeats on the way. To elevate their chances of qualifying, Real Madrid must take three points from Gewiss Stadium tonight. 

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to field the starting eleven without the services of David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy who are all sidelined due to long-term injuries. 

📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
🆚 @Atalanta_BC#UCL pic.twitter.com/KShyrkhW1B

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 8, 2024

Real Madrid will leave no stone unturned to prove themselves again on the biggest stage of European club football. The team is familiar with their opponents tonight and they will try to replicate their performance from the Super Cup final.

Last 5 Matches: W L W L W 

Head-to-head 

Matches played: 3

Atalanta Wins: 0

Real Madrid Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Possible Playing XI

Atalanta

Marco Carnesecchi (GK); Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Sead Kolasinac; Raoul Bellanova, Marten De Roon, Ederson, Matteo Ruggeri; Charles De Ketelaere, Mario Retegui, Ademola Lookman

Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Federico Valverde, Aurelin Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Atalanta and Real Madrid: Fantasy XI Prediction

Courtois, Djimsti, Rudiger, Bellanova, Vazquez, Ruggeri, Valverde, De Ketelaere, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Lookman 

9-year-old Aarit Kapil of Delhi has created history and become the youngest Indian player to defeat a chess grandmaster by defeating America's Raset Ziatdinov in the ninth and final round of the KIIT International open tournament.

Aarit Kapil achieved this feat at the age of nine years, two months and 18 days. He is the youngest Indian and third player in the world to defeat a Grandmaster in Classical Time Control.

Youngest player in the world to beat GM

The youngest player in the world to defeat a Grandmaster is Ashwath Kaushik of Indian origin from Singapore. He had achieved this feat earlier this year by registering a win against Jacek Stupa of Poland. Then his age was only eight years and six months.

Kapil won the game in 63 moves

Ziatdinov is 66 years old and is certainly not at his peak but he gave a tough challenge to Kapil who was playing with white pieces. However, the Indian player responded well to his every move and added a new chapter in the history of Indian chess by winning the game in 63 moves.

Ranked third in the overall list

Besides being the youngest Indian to defeat a Chess Grandmaster, he is ranked third in the overall list. Aarit Kapil has achieved this feat in a time of 9 years and 2 months. 

Kapil is also a two-time silver medalist in the Asian Youth Chess Championship. At the age of 6, he won the title of State Champion in the Under 8 Boys Delhi State Chess Championship, competing against children 2 years older than him. After this, he got a chance to represent Delhi in the national event. 

Karim Benzema has become the official ambassador for Saudi Arabia's official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Benzema expressed his confidence in the competence of Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 during a recent meeting with young footballers in Jeddah.

Looking to the future with the @Saudi2034bid 🇸🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/Z8ZsUDaFUr

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 8, 2024

Saudi Arabia strengthens its position through the collaboration

Karim Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad in 2023 as one of the most prominent faces of world football to feature in the Saudi Pro League. Many promising footballers have joined the Saudi Pro League in recent years to elevate their footballing careers. Saudi Arabian Football Federation has shown greater aspirations by submitting an official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Following Australia's withdrawal, which was Saudi's only contender in the bidding process, Saudi Arabia is now in the pole position to win the hosting rights for the biggest event of football in 2034.  Saudi Arabian Football Federation has tied knots with the French icon to strengthen their position in the premises of world football.  

The 36-year-old forward announced his appointment as the ambassador during a visit to Al-Balad. He stated:

I believe Saudi football is changing. I think that in 10 years, Saudi Arabia will be ready. I believe that visitors will be surprised by the passion of Saudi fans at every match,

Recent controversies regarding human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have struck the football environment, as human rights activists have also expressed their concern about FIFA's decision. However, Benzema conveyed his personal views regarding the criticisms.

People who have preconceived notions about Saudi Arabia should come and see for themselves. There are incredible things and iconic places. The people are welcoming. You feel good here. It's a country worth exploring. There is so much to do. It's not just about the desert, even though there are incredible experiences to be had in the desert as well. You must come and visit Saudi Arabia.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid: FIFA is reportedly overlooking reports on human rights abuses

Benzema addressed the importance of grassroots developments in football

The French icon recently met the trainees from the Saudi Football Federation’s regional training centers in Jeddah and offered his understanding to develop a better environment for football in the region. Benzema said:

Saudi football is developing, and I am confident that after 10 years Saudi Arabia will be fully prepared (for the World Cup).

Training and development begin with the young players, and this is the most important thing — creating a generation that can reach the highest level.

An official statement by FIFA to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup may arrive this month after the FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.  

On this day, exactly 10 years ago, Virat Kohli was given the captaincy of the Indian Test team. He took over the responsibility of captaining the Indian Test team after Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Kohli captained the Indian Test team for almost 8 years, and Rohit Sharma has been leading India in Test cricket since 2022.

Also Read: Virat Kohl's scores in last 10 Test innings

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are the captains who have won the ICC trophy for India. On the other side, Virat Kohli could never win an ICC tournament as captain. However, when the discussion is about Test cricket, as a leader he appears miles ahead of both Dhoni and Rohit.

On this day, let us know what heights he touched in red-ball cricket and why Kohli's legacy as Test captain remains an example even today.

India lost only 17 tests under Virat's captaincy

Under Kohli's captaincy, Team India played 68 Tests, out of which it won 40 and lost 17 matches. Whereas 11 tests ended in a draw. In this way, Virat Kohli's tenure as Test captain was very successful. Kohli has been the most successful Indian Test captain.

Kohli also performed brilliantly as a batsman, especially on the pitches of countries like Australia, South Africa, England, and New Zealand.

Kohli's legacy as Test captain on Indian soil

Virat Kohli took over the Test captaincy in late 2014 and led the team in 31 home Tests. Under his leadership, India emerged victorious in 24 matches, while suffering only 2 losses, one against Australia and another against England.

India won the test series in Australia for the first time

In the year 2018-19, Team India had to go to Australia to play the Border Gavaskar Trophy, no one expected that the Team would do anything special on this tour. But, Virat had his eyes only on the trophy. 

Kohli led India to a 2-1 victory in this series with his attacking captaincy. In which the victories in Adelaide and Melbourne were historic, and Virat also became the first Indian and Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia.

Also Read: Top 5 Records of Virat Kohli that might never be broken

Virat Kohli's records in Test cricket

Currently, Kohli is playing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He has played 120 Test matches so far, in which he has scored 9163 runs in 205 innings at an average of 47.72. During this period he has also scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score in Test cricket has been 254* runs.