Paris SG’s journey in the Champions League has started sluggishly. Faced with a difficult schedule, the French champion had to get as many points as possible when they hosted Girona at the Parc. The mission was accomplished, but it was tough.
Against the Catalan team, the Parisians were heading towards a draw after having dominated in vain. Then, at the start of added time, they had an unexpected stroke of luck from fate. Or should we rather say that of Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentinian goalkeeper made a mistake on a cross from Nuno Mendes by letting the ball pass between his legs. The Parisians and all their supporters then breathed a big sigh of relief.
PSG missed their start
If Luis Enrique’s team trembled so much it is because they did not put the necessary ingredients to impose themselves without difficulty. For a long time, their production lacked madness. There was not enough movement and it was difficult from then on to destabilize a well-organized Spanish team. The first period also passed without the slightest shot on target from the Parisians. And only Marco Asensio sent a shiver through the opposing surface (13e) before going out with an injury.
In the second half, it was clearly better on the Parisian side. The chances multiplied, but the final gesture was lacking for a long time. The one who wasted the most was Ousmane Dembélé. The French international notably missed a huge one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper, after having covered half the field with the ball at his feet (54e). Then he grabbed the frame without finding the flaw (57e) before hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot (62)e). Unconverted ammunition that will prove right those who think that after a state of grace, the former Barcelona player always falls back into his old ways.
Parisians lacked efficiency
The final minutes of the match saw Paris push in the hope of forcing the decision. It paid off. However, the French champions should not have waited for the gift from the opposing goalkeeper. Achraf Hakimi had the best opportunity, but without adjusting the sights (83e). Girona finally broke. Michel’s team will still be congratulated for the courageous performance they delivered.
For Paris, despite the victory, there is nothing to crow about. The team from the capital has done the job on the arithmetic level. However, if it wants to go far in this competition, it will have to raise its level of play considerably. For example, from the next match against Arsenal.
