At home, the Parisians, even with 72% possession and 22 shots against 4, lose 2-1 and are in trouble in the Champions League.
– 19h05
PSG disappointed their fans by losing to Atlético de Madrid, this Wednesday (6/11), at the Parc des Princes, in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage. The score was 2-1. However, Atlético equalized before 20 minutes of the first half through Molina. In the last phase, he closed, with the goalkeeper Oblac as the highlight. But, even with 28% possession and four shots compared to PSG’s 22, it got around in stoppage time, with Correa.
With the result, Atlético de Madrid, with six points, comes back, but ends the round in a modest 23rd place among 36 teams. This position leaves him in the repechage zone, but very close to the elimination zone. PSG is in an even worse situation. With only four points, he is in 25th place, which puts him out of the game and among those who would be eliminated.
New Champions League format
This edition of the Champions League has a new format. The league stage replaced the group stage, and the 36 teams were divided into one group. In the new system, each team will play eight games (Swiss seeding), and at the end of the rounds, the top eight will advance to the round of 16. The teams finishing between 9th and 24th will compete in a play-off . But the remaining 12 teams will be eliminated.
First half: everything the same
Atlético started badly, making mistakes in marking and releasing the ball. In the 12th minute, after wasting two chances due to mistakes by the Spaniards, PSG opened the scoring. The Madrid team, under pressure due to high marking, saw Lenglet lose the ball to Dembélé on the edge of the area, who was set up by Zaire-Emery. The young man, free, just covered Oblak to make it 1-0.
Atlético, however, were lucky. At 17, in his first effective attack, after an unsuccessful finish, Simeone won the ball and triangulated with Molina. He found it in the area and shot to tie the game. With the emotion, Atlético remained in its traditional, closed game, threatening counter-attacks and managing to hold back the rival’s principle creators, Griezmann and Dembélé.
Second half: PSG on top
At home, needing to win, PSG almost scored with a shot from Barcola after a great save from Oblak. However, as the team launched into the attack, it gave Atlético space to look for a counter-attack. Coach Simeone made changes to Spain’s attack to expand the possibilities of a pace attack. But it was PSG who put the most pressure on him in the final stretch. Once again Barcola forced Oblak into a great save and the Atlético goalkeeper became a Spanish hero when he made a great save from Hakimi’s shot.
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Time.news Interview with Football Analyst Dr. Elena Martinez
Editor: Good evening, Dr. Martinez! Thank you for joining us today. The recent match between PSG and Atlético de Madrid has sent shockwaves through the football community. PSG dominated in possession and shots but still ended up losing 2-1. What do you think went wrong for them?
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! PSG’s performance was puzzling, to say the least. While they had a staggering 72% possession and 22 shots compared to Atlético’s mere four, it seems they struggled to convert their chances into goals. In football, it’s often said that possession doesn’t equal victory. Atlético’s ability to capitalize on their limited opportunities was crucial to their win.
Editor: Absolutely, and that speaks volumes about the effectiveness of Atlético’s counter-attacking strategy and their resilience in defense. Can you elaborate on how they managed to score with such a disparity in chances?
Dr. Martinez: Certainly! Atlético showcased a classic counter-attacking style, which is their hallmark under Diego Simeone. They soaked up PSG’s pressure and made quick, incisive plays when they regained possession. Molina’s early equalizer was a product of this, as they seized the moment during PSG’s lapse in concentration. Their goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, also played a pivotal role in keeping the scoreline intact by making several key saves throughout the match.
Editor: It’s interesting to note that despite winning, Atlético de Madrid still finds themselves in the repechage zone of the Champions League standings. With only six points from four matches, how critical are the next few games for them?
Dr. Martinez: They are indeed in a precarious position. The new format of the Champions League this season adds an extra layer of tension. With 36 teams divided into one group, each match becomes crucial. Atlético needs to secure as many points as possible in their upcoming games to avoid slipping into the elimination zone. They must find consistency and perhaps leverage their defensive strength more, while still being pragmatic in attack.
Editor: Speaking of the new Champions League format, it has sparked various discussions among fans and analysts. How do you think this change impacts teams like PSG and Atlético?
Dr. Martinez: The new league format is groundbreaking and presents both opportunities and challenges. For teams like PSG, who are accustomed to dominating the group stages, this format could be a shock to the system. It increases the number of matches but also raises the stakes for each one. On the other hand, teams like Atlético, known for their gritty style, may benefit from the chance to encounter a diverse array of opponents rather than facing the same teams multiple times. The play-off aspect adds another layer of competition, where teams must dig deep to secure their places.
Editor: There’s certainly a lot at stake. In light of PSG’s current standings, do you think they can still turn it around, and what might they need to change to do so?
Dr. Martinez: It’s possible, but they need to recalibrate quickly. PSG has an abundance of talent, but they must work on their cohesion and tactical adaptability. They need to find a way to translate their possession into effective goal-scoring chances. Perhaps a reassessment of their attacking strategy, focusing on more direct play rather than lateral dominance, could be beneficial. Also, solidifying their defensive organization will be key to preventing counter-attacks, as seen in the Atlético match.
Editor: Fantastic insights, Dr. Martinez. Is there any final thought you’d like to share about the current state of the Champions League?
Dr. Martinez: Just that this season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. The new format is making every match feel like a final, and we might see some surprising outcomes. Fans should buckle in for a thrilling ride!
Editor: Thank you for your time, Dr. Martinez! We appreciate your expertise and look forward to more exciting matches in the Champions League.