After a sterile first period, PSG raised the level and then logically defeated Dortmund (2-0). Kylian Mbappé has shown the way forward.
We don’t know if PSG will succeed in getting the trophy they are missing so much this season. But, at least, the team from the capital did well from the start in this event, thus sending a message to all the competition. In her stronghold of the Park, she took the measure of Dortmund without forcing her talent but with mastery and without ever really trembling behind.
Paris has never panicked
Throughout this game, the Parisians only conceded one dangerous opportunity. At the 15e minute, they let the Dutchman Malen escape behind them and it took all the vigilance of Gianluigi Donnarumma to avoid behind on the scoreboard. A real alert, but there were no others.
Playing in a structured manner with the desire to leave no space to their opponent, Paris had a quiet evening defensively. And in front? Until the break, it was actually rather messy. Only Vitinha managed to worry the Germans with a low shot off the post (19e). Fortunately, in the second half, it was much better.
Probably admonished by their coach in the locker room, the locals returned to the pitch with more anger. A renewed fighting spirit which quickly bore fruit. At the 49e minute, an offensive led to a penalty and it was obviously Kylian Mbappé who came forward to transform the sentence. The Bondynois did not miss out, already signing his 8e of the season.
A more conquering PSG in the second half
At 1-0, Paris naturally benefited from more space at the forefront. The second goal was then only a matter of time and it came in the 58the. On one of his climbs, Achraf Hakimi signed a brilliant one-two with Vitinha before finishing with great composure in front of the opposing goals. A sublime achievement in its conception and which, undoubtedly, must have pleased Luis Enrique.
The Spanish coach, on the other hand, must have appreciated the less rhythmic last half hour of his troops a little less. Even if there was a 3-0 opportunity, unconverted by Mbappé in the 90th, Paris clearly took its foot off the gas towards the end. But it was of no consequence. And then, isn’t it also the particularity of big clubs to know how to take care of themselves when the score seems certain? Especially when the next match offers an exciting classic against Marseille’s close rival.
