2023-09-19 22:57:44
After suffering its first defeat of the season on Friday against Nice (3-2) at the Parc des Princes, in the opening match of the 5th day of Ligue 1, PSG successfully entered the Champions League by beating Borussia Dortmund (2-0), this Tuesday September 19.
Published on: 09/19/2023 – 22:57
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With a first victory, PSG launched its 2023-2024 Champions League against Dortmund, without Lionel Messi, Neymar and Marco Vertatti, all of whom have left for other adventures. Defeated at home last Friday against Nice, the capital club made up for it in front of its home crowd.
For this new season, PSG is not entitled to the usual break-in period in the group stage, because the team inherited a difficult draw with, in addition to Dortmund, the powerful AC Milan, hanging on at the end of afternoon by Newcastle (0-0). Each PSG match risks counting to clinch first place in this group F, which would promise an easier draw in the round of 16.
Achraf Hakimi and his magical gesture
A victory was all the more recommended against the German club, who seemed to be the most likely of the three opponents at the start of the season. If Borussia has not yet lost in the Bundesliga and is notably coming off a victory last Saturday in Freiburg (4-2), the German vice-champions seem much less inspired than last season. They have gleaned only 8 points in four matches (7th) against teams promised to be in the middle and bottom of the table.
Paris had possession of the ball throughout the match, as in Ligue 1 since the start of the season, but without being able to achieve anything in the first half. The Portuguese Vitinha found the post, after being served in the penalty area (18th). In the 28th minute, the Moroccan Achraf Hakimi missed the target at the entrance to the penalty area with his right foot, and an unscrewed shot. Mbappé and Kolo Muani did not fit either (31st and 32nd).
Returning from the locker room, Paris returned with better intentions: more speed and inspiration. In the 47th minute, a penalty was awarded to PSG after a handball from Niklas Süle and Kylian Mbappé converted it, launching Paris to victory. Then, after a one-two with Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, with a magnificent hook of the right foot, eliminated Mats Hummels, before deceiving Gregor Kobel, with a magnificent outside of the right foot. With this success, Paris takes the lead in his group.
Coach Luis Enrique, who arrived in the summer, did well not to panic after the defeat at the Parc against Nice. His offensive playing principles are starting to be seen on the pitch, and his team is getting back into a positive dynamic before hosting Marseille next Sunday in Ligue 1.
Tuesday September 19, 2023
Group E
Lazio – Atlético de Madrid 1-1
Feyenoord Rotterdam – Celtic Glasgow 2-0
Group F
Milan AC – Newcastle 0-0
PSG – Borussia Dortmund 2-0
Group G
Young Boys Berne – Leipzig 1-3
Manchester City – Red Star Belgrade 3-1
Group H
Chaktior Donetsk – Porto 1-3
FC Barcelone – Anvers 5-0
#PSG #upright #Dortmund