For this, Paris Saint-Germain needed a mistake by the opposing goalkeeper to win on an evening when their attackers were failing to score goals. The capital club won their first Champions League match of the season against Girona (1-0) on Wednesday, September 18, thanks to a twist of fate in the last minute of the match. The ball left Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s gloves and slid under his legs towards the goal. Joy and relief could be seen mixed in the noise of the Parc des Princes.
The continent’s biggest competition returned to the Parisian scene but the feeling was completely different. There was none of the atmosphere or the tifo of the big European evenings as the Auteuil corner, where members of the Ultras Paris collective set the tone in the stands, was closed. UEFA sanction after the use of smoke bombs in the C1 semi-final against Borussia Dortmund on May 7. PSG also failed to show the European face expected of them on the pitch.
Throughout the match, the Parisian attackers forgot to activate the Champions League mode, which the capital club already dominated and which, with sixteen goals scored in four victories, had raised the level compared to Ligue 1. This convincing start to the season confirmed the direction that Luis Enrique and his management are taking: a team with less showiness, a clear game identity and more focus on the collective.
A more consistent second term
After the departure of Kylian Mbappé, who scored 44 goals last season, the transition started smoothly. Attacking danger must now come from everywhere and the reception of Girona, who played their first Champions League match in their history, was a good opportunity to prove it. Especially since the club arrived under the influence of uncertainty and lost to FC Barcelona (1-4) last weekend.
Except for a few minutes at the beginning of the second half, PSG’s Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved a header from Cristhian Stuani (52).to) –, Girona did not worry Paris. But Luis Enrique’s players faltered in attack. The first period ended in failure, as did Bradley Barcola’s performance, which has been in decline for two games. “The first half was tough but I really enjoyed the second half, we were extremely superior”said Luis Enrique.
This second half was actually more consistent and lively (20 shots), but was marked by Paris’ glaring inefficiency. This absence was reminiscent of the French team’s performance at the Euros, when Ousmane Dembélé participated. The 27-year-old winger has been on target in recent weeks (four goals, three assists in six games). He was notable for his inefficiency against Girona; he certainly had eight shots, but he often took too many from distance.
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