PSG didn’t really have the right to make mistakes when they received Atlético de Madrid. With only 4 points on the clock before kick-off, the reigning French champion had to win at the Parc des Princes in order to give himself more margin for qualification. Proof that we should not miss each other, Luis Enrique reserved a team without surprises at the start with Joao Neves associated with Zaire-Emery and Vitinha in the middle. Marco Asensio took the role of false nine to support Dembélé and Barcola. The Colchoneros responded with a 4-4-2, led by Griezmann and Alvarez to beat a defense guided by Donnarumma, again the starter.
With the absence of Gimenez, Diego Simeone cobbled together a central hinge in which Witsel and Lenglet took place, author of only his 4th match of the season. The French defender’s lack of rhythm and serenity was quickly noticed since after a rather encouraging first quarter of an hour from the Parisians (Hakimi 1st and 10th, Dembélé 5th and 6th), he faltered under Dembélé’s pressure. Zaire-Emery had felt the blow, and, offset by Dembélé, beat Oblak from close range after an effective fake shot (1-0, 14th). PSG got off to a good start against a team that also had its back against the wall with 3 small points after these first 3 days.
Offensive realism was still lacking
Madrid’s start was not long in coming, the fault of a deconcentration error from Nuno Mendes, and a favorable control of the hand of Molina, who crucified Donnarumma with a powerful strike (1-1, 18th). This equalization broke the Parisian dynamic. The game became less fluid, hampered by the opposing pressure as well. Enough to fuel frustration when returning from the locker room but too many ingredients were missing until then to make the difference. After the break, and despite the double lock of the Matelassiers, the Hakimi-Dembélé tandem persevered (48th, 54th), helped this time by Barcola, very discreet during this first half of the match.
The former Lyonnais stood out for the first time on his left side, thwarted by Oblak (58th) after passing between Witsel and De Paul. The next attempt, a curled right this time, was still not the right one, repelled by the firm hand of Oblak, still present on Neves’ long shot (64th). With the help of the entries of Lee and Ruiz, PSG appeared more and more insistent in front but still came up against the Spanish defense, like Oblak imperial against Hakimi (77th). The last blows from Lee and Hakimi (90th + 2) were still not enough. Worse still, on the counter of this last opportunity Vitinha turned too easily on the hook of Correa, who deceived Donnarumma (1-2, 90th + 3) at the final whistle. Cruel outcome, more than ever Paris is in great danger.
The Champions League standings
