2023-12-14 23:18:18
A watchword: positive! This Wednesday, PSG pocketed their ticket to the round of 16 of the Champions League with difficulty by drawing at Dortmund (1-1) while at the same time Newcastle lost at home against Milan (1- 2). The Parisians, 2nd in their group, certainly did not achieve the objective of finishing in first place, but they are qualified and will be content with that while waiting for the draw, next Monday in Nyon (Switzerland) in around noon. Kylian Mbappé and his gang could pull off a big deal. Among the potential opponents, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City, but also Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid or FC Barcelona.
After the meeting, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi spoke on several television channels. At the microphone of Canal +, he spoke of “a big game”, explaining that his team should have won with more efficiency in the opposing area. Upon arrival, Paris did the minimum and will have to raise the bar if it wishes to go further in the competition.
No excessive celebrations
This is a bit like the speech the Qatari boss gave to the players after the match. Satisfied with the qualification, “NAK” appeared in the locker room shortly after the final whistle to congratulate Luis Enrique and his group. “There are great prospects if you continue to work hard, improve and always be a team,” maintained the president. Facing the players, he recalled that the team had evolved significantly last summer with no less than 12 recruits, and important departures (Messi, Neymar, Verratti). He also said he was very proud to be able to count on one of the youngest teams in the competition this season.
The youth that shines is illustrated by Warren Zaire-Emery who, at 17 years and 280 days, became the youngest French scorer in the history of the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park by equalizing for Paris. He is ahead of Karim Benzema (17 years and 352 days). In the locker room, no outpouring of joy or excessive celebrations. The Parisians, who imagined no other outcome than qualification, know well that the road is long…
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