Bayern-PSG, a feat or nothing

Efficiency. This is the key word that the Parisians will have to keep in mind this Tuesday (9 p.m.), against Bayern, at the Allianz Arena, for the fifth day of the Champions League. A shock in the form of a European classic, knowing that this will be the 14th confrontation between the two clubs. Six wins for PSG, seven for Bayern, no draw. Winners against Thomas Tuchel’s Pairs Saint-Germain in the C1 final in 2020 (1-0), in Lisbon, thanks to a goal from former titi Kingsley Coman, the Bavarians nevertheless remain on three consecutive victories against Parisians who do not only won twice in Munich. In 1994 thanks to a jewel signed George Weah (0-1), and in 2021, with a great Keylor Navas and an immense Kylian Mbappé (2-3).

A shock in the form of a mission impossible too. Undefeated in the Bundesliga (ranking here), like PSG in Ligue 1 (ranking here), the “Rekordmeister” remains on six consecutive victories in all competitions. And this without conceding a single goal and scoring 16. The dynamic is rather good for Vincent Kompany’s men… And this even if they ultimately only took two points more than PSG in the European Cup so far. here (2 wins, 2 losses, ranking here).

The Belgian technician also seems to have found the words and the method to touch his players, who are working hard for him. And even much more than for its predecessors, if we are to believe the echoes from Bavaria… Good pick. All with a monstrous Harry Kane, already 20 goals and 9 assists in 2024-25. “We know that we are going to face a very good team, with world-class players.summarizes Vitinha, Luis Enrique estimating that “Bayern plays the football that most resembles (that of PSG) in terms of game idea with Manchester City”. And to add: “The problem is that there will only be one ball.”

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Three games in a row without a victory in C1

In these conditions, how can we imagine a Parisian victory on German soil? Or even a draw? You actually have to be damn optimistic, if not totally blind, to seriously believe it. That would be an achievement. That wouldn’t be logical. Except that if football were logical, it would be known. Moreover, if that were the case, Paris Saint-Germain would not have amassed just four points, but nine. After a miraculous victory against Girona (1-0) and an obvious defeat on the field of Arsenal (2-0), Luis Enrique’s players shared the points against PSV Eindhoven (1-1) and dropped the flag against Atlético Madrid (1-2). In both cases, Paris played the game, had chances, lots of chances, and overall deserved to win. There was this forgotten penalty against the Dutch, while the Spaniards only had two chances for two goals, including one in the 93rd.

«I already said the results were unfair (the draw against PSV and the defeat against Atlético, Editor’s note). But they are what they are. Now we have to produce results to qualify. The number of points needed to pass? We don’t know. But we can say that we complicated the task on our own…», Analyzes the Parisian coach.

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Illusive statistics

An observation which should not lead us to think that PSG only lacked luck. Certainly, Paris had a lot of chances, situations, shots, xG. “Football only knows one thing, goals scored. And for that, we still have room for improvement», Explains Luis Enrique in the form of a gentle euphemism. And again, these statistics are a bit misleading. Lots of opportunities, yes. Big opportunities, no. In any case, the quality of the opportunities in question could have been better with more accuracy, quality and concentration. Perfect example at the end of the match against Atlético, with Achraf Hakimi hitting hard from inside the area. Right on Jan Oblak and in a tight corner. This is an opportunity. But if the Moroccan had seen Randal Kolo Muani’s excellent call from the penalty spot, it would undoubtedly have been a goal. Clearly, the Rouge et Bleu must improve in accuracy at least as much as in efficiency.

And it doesn’t just concern the expensive Ousmane Dembélé or the unequal Bradley Barcola, brilliant in L1, not in C1. All PSG must play faster, more intense. Break out at least at times from the heavy and inhibiting tactical shackles of Luis Enrique. Take responsibility. Don’t wait until you are within six meters to shoot. Obviously, “Dembouz” and Barcola (who has only scored one goal in 14 C1 matches) have the right to score anyway… So far, the three Parisian goals in C1 have been scored by a defender, a midfielder …and the opposing goalkeeper.

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Obviously, we know we have to win, we have to win

Vitinha

Efficiency, the key for PSG to dream of an exploit. An almost vital feat, knowing that “Qatar-SG” is in a modest 25th place in the rankings, synonymous with elimination. “Obviously, we know we have to win, we have to win. It’s not decisive because we wouldn’t be eliminated in the event of a defeat, but we want to win every match at PSG. And tomorrow (this Tuesday) is no different”, assure «Viti».

Not just offensive efficiency. Defensively, the French champions also failed. As we said, two chances for two goals against Atlético. The PSV did not need much more ammunition. Ultimately, Arsenal didn’t have a ton of chances at the Emirates Stadium either. But it hits the mark almost every time. By dint of having possession of the ball and excelling in counter-pressing, the Parisians forget to do the job until the end. Against Atlético, two passes, a hook, a shot, in the niche. Too easy.

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Write history and create sensation

One thing is certain: this Bayern-PSG is not a test for the Parisians. We know what they’re worth. And what they are not worth. The “Champions” coronation will not be for this year. What we can ask of them is to win Ligue 1, progress individually and collectively, and come out with honors in C1. Which rules out an exit from the group stage. “If PSG is still scary? I’m sure of it. I don’t know if you asked the people of Munich, but I’m sure they have a lot of respect for us. Everyone knows that we are a very good team, that we have great players, a great coach, good dynamics and that we can do badly in this competition», note Vitinha.

Whether PSG is more or less scary without players of the caliber of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, Leo Messi, Edinson Cavani or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marquinhos and others nevertheless have the right to surprise, to amaze during a match, to show that they are on the right track, to write history. Why not ? If they want to shut people’s mouths and win where everyone imagines them to be losers, this is the right time, the right place. Otherwise, they can always dream reality in Salzburg on December 10…