Sundowns’ Marcelo Allende says facing PSG would be a ‘dream’ for the club

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende says the prospect of playing Paris Saint-Germain represents a dream shared throughout the club.

Sundowns kept that possibility alive with a victory over Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli in the FIFA Asia-Africa-Pacific Cup at the weekend. Their win secured a meeting with a South American opponent yet to be determined next month.

Allende said the scale of Sundowns’ progress could be measured by the chance to face the European champions later this year.

“I know we are happy as a club, as teammates, and we are so proud of everyone. We really enjoy these times to celebrate this title, and I am prepared for the next one,” he said.

“Yes, playing against PSG, we watch them on TV and we dream. It depends on us; we need to fight, and we can win in the next station.”

The midfielder also discussed the possibility of Sundowns meeting a Mexican side in the Challenger Cup. That would happen if Toluca defeat their opponents in the Derby of the Americas.

Sundowns do not yet know which club they would face in the final, with Allende expecting the semi-final to involve one of three Brazilian teams or an Argentine side.

“Yeah, I think they need to play first with the Mexican team. We don’t know yet which club will play in the final,” he said.

“I think there are three Brazilian teams and one from Argentina, but I am really excited to play against them, and I think we will do so in the semifinal in December.”

Allende, who is Chilean, said he had not fully appreciated the standard at Sundowns before joining the club. He has since won the Champions League and represented the Tshwane giants at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite those achievements and his current form, the biggest disappointment of his career remains his continued absence from the Chile national team.

The 26-year-old said being overlooked was painful because of his desire to represent his country, but vowed to keep working hard.

“Yes, that’s something that makes me a little sad because I am really proud of where I am coming from. I truly like to represent my country, but that’s life. Football continues, and I will always do my best and try to play my best football.”