PSG struck hard in Montjuïc, despite the absence of its offensive stars Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia. Faced with a Barça ready to dominate, the reigning European champion was able to compensate by giving young Parisian titis his chance. Senny Mayulu and Ibrahim Mbaye, respectively 19 and 17 years old, were established in the attack trident and immediately showed that they were not there to do figuration. From the opening of the Catalan score, the two young people retained their intensity, participating in all the offensive and defensive phases, and bringing freshness and daring in an extremely physically demanding match. “It is for that that we always think of the Titis, they are the identity and DNA of the club. It is our identity to have confidence in our young people. They made a very good match with personality, with ambition with energy. I'm happy for them. I must congratulate them ”. This is what Luis Enrique said at a press conference after the victory against AJ Auxerre last weekend.
And as a symbol, it is still a Parisian titi which came to revive PSG in a match however badly in point at the start. Aligned in false new in place of Gonçalo Ramos relegated to the bench, Senny Mayulu distinguished himself decisively by signing the equalization (1-1, 38th). The young attacker has not only marked, since he weighed in all offensive compartments: 1 shot on a frame, 2 blocked shots, 3 dribble attempts, 1 successful, 13/14 successful passes (93 %) and 1 key pass. His mobility opened spaces and allowed his partners to project himself forward, while his races and his reading of the game were precious to unbalance a Catalan defense which struggled to contain its accelerations. Mayulu has proven that his talent is not limited to a simple punctual feat. The native of the White-Mesnil was a PSG engine on the ground.
Mbaye's surprising impact
“”My goal? Nuno did a huge job. He demonstrated power, he was able to pierce the opposing line. So it's a teamwork above all, because before Nuno there has also been a job. He knew how to make the gap, he put it to me. I tried not to take too much time because it came back quickly: I fired and it came back so it's great. I was able to equalize, so I am very happy to have been able to help the team of course. It put us back in the match, and then we were able to win it at the end“, Detailed Mayulu to PSG TV. On the right side, Ibrahim Mbaye has shown an impressive regularity and intensity. The young winger tried 4 dribbles, won 6 duels on the ground on 9 and hit 31 balls with 83 % of successful passes. PSG number 49 has been able to combine dynamism and discipline, contributing to defensive folds and rapid PSG transitions. Even without scoring, his constant presence on the attack front put the Barcelona defense under pressure, forcing the Catalans to focus on his area and creating opportunities for his teammates.
“”It's very good to see the quality of our titis, they are efficient“, Underlined Gonçalo Ramos in the mixed zone. Mbaye showed that he could play his role in a high European level context. Based on these two young talents, PSG has shown that it had a bench depth capable of competing with the best in Europe. Mayulu and Mbaye not only responded individually, but were also coherent collectively, participating in the mastery of the rhythm and the success of the tactical plan of Luis Enrique. Their performance sends a clear message. The Parisian club can count on its titis to compensate for absences and continue to impose its style on the continental scene, even without its executives. A prestige victory that could mark the start of a beautiful European trajectory for these two young people.
