Sturm Graz vs Paris Saint-Germain

Wörthersee Stadion forms the backdrop for a handsomely-looking summer friendly between Sturm Graz and Paris Saint-Germain.

It’s been a rather slow start to the 2024/25 campaign for reigning Austrian champions Sturm Graz. Christian Ilzer’s side required extra time to dispatch lower-league Kremser 4-2 in the OFB Cup before slumping to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Rapid Vienna at the start of their top-flight title defense. On top of their recent domestic struggles, ‘Die Schwoazn’ had gone winless in back-to-back pre-season friendlies toward the end of July (D1, L1), conceding precisely two goals against Porto and Monaco. Despite all these negatives, Sturm can draw confidence from thrashing PSG 3-1 in their only previous off-season encounter, though it’s worth noting that victory dates back to 2013.

Meanwhile, it’s been a transitional summer for PSG. Luis Enrique’s side waved goodbye to standout forward Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid after Euro 2024. While searching for the Frenchman’s successor, Les Parisiens embark on their pre-season preparations late, looking to build on last season’s domestic treble. The perennial Ligue 1 champions dropped the curtain on a trophy-laden 2023/24 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win against fierce rivals Lyon in the Coupe de France title showpiece, rounding off a three-game winning streak. With three of PSG’s final four competitive outings at the tail-end of 2023/24 featuring over 2.5 goals and ‘both teams to score,’ it stands to reason a high-scoring contest could be in store.