2024-03-03 13:28:06
PSG must finish the job. Having emerged victorious from their first leg in the round of 16 of the Champions League against Real Sociedad at the Parc des Princes, the Parisians travel to Spain on Tuesday to ensure their qualification for the C1 quarter-finals.
A trip that promises to be perilous, even if the Spaniards are in a bad period with two defeats and a victory in La Liga since the match against PSG. For this shock in the European Cup, the experienced Michael Oliver will be in charge. The English international referee has already refereed both teams in the Champions League, and has not often brought luck to the Parisians in recent years.
The man who has led many Premier League shocks has also officiated at San Sebastián this season. It was during the group stage, during the opposition between Real Sociedad and Inter Milan, which ended with a 1-1 draw. A game where six yellow cards had been distributed.
PSG does not win with Michael Oliver
If PSG has never had to complain about Michael Oliver’s refereeing, the latter does not bring luck to Kylian Mbappé’s teammates. Last season, the Englishman refereed the capital club twice. First during the group stages of the Champions League, against Benfica at the Parc. The Portuguese snatched a draw (1-1).
The second time was in the round of 16 first leg against Bayern Munich. If Michael Oliver had sent a red card to Benjamin Pavard (now at Inter Milan), the Parisians, led by Christophe Galtier, had lost at home by the smallest of margins (0-1).
Not a good memory for OM
A symbol that Michael Oliver does not bring luck to French clubs, Olympique de Marseille had the opportunity to be refereed by the Englishman at the start of the season, during the Champions League play-offs against Panathinaïkós. After the defeat of the Phocaeans on penalties, the leaders sent a letter to UEFA to express their anger regarding certain decisions of the official. During this match, the experienced referee awarded a penalty to the Greeks in the final minutes of added time, allowing them to come back to 2-2.
During extra time, Vitinha thought he would free his team by scoring in the 110th minute, but the goal was disallowed. Two incomprehensible decisions for the Marseillais, who will therefore lose on penalties, and will be eliminated from the big ears cup.
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