Dominant and dangerous but not realistic for a penny, PSG had to settle for the point of the draw against PSV Eindhoven (1-1), Tuesday, in Paris, in the Champions League.
“Where you see doubts, I see progression, potential, optimism,” said Luis Enrique before PSG-PSV Eindhoven. The facts proved him wrong. After a miraculous victory against Girona (1-0) and a defeat on the field of Arsenal (2-0), the Parisians were held back by the Dutch champion (1-1) on Tuesday, at the Parc des Princes , during the third day of the Champions League. Four points in three games, the score is clearly not good.
A match nevertheless mastered by Luis Enrique’s team, author of a good start, enterprising, incisive… but failing in the last gesture against that of ex-OL coach Peter Bosz. Barcola had cartridges (11th, 27th), Lee too (16th) and especially Dembélé, who hit the post (19th) before harvesting at the entrance to the area (30th). Paris was only missing a goal, dominating and only trembling on a cross from Lang for De Jong (15th) during a first half hour of good quality.
Except that by thus lacking success and/or accuracy, the Rouge et Bleu were exposing themselves to a scenario that we have already seen and seen again. Dembélé did not attack his ball enough, offering PSV a counter. Lang found himself at the forefront, singing the song to Marquinhos at the entrance to the area before closing his foot, near the first post, to deceive Donnarumma (0-1, 34th). A goal which changed the appearance: nervous, the Parisians were unable to regain the rhythm, the intensity, the desire which had allowed them to start this meeting well. Disaster scenario (0-1 MT).
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A penalty… finally canceled
The statistic made the rounds on social networks at halftime: on their last 88 shots in C1, the Parisians did not score a single goal. 10 posts and bars along the way. Against Girona, it was goalkeeper Gazzaniga who scored against his side. A figure which climbed further at the restart, Paris returning with better intentions, with Ruiz (49th) and especially Dembélé (50th) who forced Benitez to relax. And the light came from Hakimi, a shot from distance on which the former Nice goalkeeper was not white (1-1, 55th). Finally ! Paris conquers again, Barcola (57th) and Dembélé (59th) to lead the charge, while Donnarumma kept watch against Bakayoko (58th). The Italian goalkeeper, on the other hand, was very happy to see Til, alone in front of him, choose the pass, with Marquinhos to intercept (60th). On a thread…
A few more situations, notably on the rises of the hyperactive scorer Hakimi. But no huge opportunity. Then a lower time, less rhythm. Luis Enrique took out “Dembouz” and Barcola, after having already replaced Lee, and it was the incoming Kolo Muani who was not so far from making the difference (86th) before a strike from Mauro Jr which was not far away to hit the mark (87th). In difficulty during the first act but on fire after the break, Hakimi (81st, 88th) tried again and again. Until liberation? Paris thought it would benefit from a penalty on Asensio… finally canceled, before a feat from Benitez on a point-blank header from Marquinhos (90+5). Paris better… but Paris cursed (1-1 final score), before meeting its best enemy Marseille next Sunday, in Ligue 1, at the Vélodrome.
