50 legendary matches: Real capsize at the Parc!

Paris, close to pulling off a feat in Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, were put in a difficult position ahead of the return leg. Colleter lost his duel with Buyo in the last moments of the match, missing out on making it 2-2. From the ensuing counter, Alain Roche handled a goalbound shot (89')... The verdict fell fast: the defender was sent off and Michel managed to score the penalty on the rebound. 1-3 was a tough scoreline for the Parisians who had matched the Merengue.

"The most important match in the history of the club"

Faced with a mountain to climb, the Parisians simply had to pull off an incredible win in the return leg at the Parc des Princes in order to reach the semi-finals of the competition. Paris Saint-Germain coach Artur Jorge was ready for a historic night: "Against Real, PSG will play the most important match in the history of the club." It turned into a legendary night. Amara Simba started alongside Weah and Ginola. From the opening whistle, Paris pressed hard in order to open the scoring. Artur Jorge really wanted a goal before the break. And his wish came true when from a Valdo corner George Weah powered a header into the back of the net (1-0, 35'). Before half-time, Bernard Lama made a good save from a Michel shot, reminding his teammates that switching off could put an end to qualification hopes (38').

After half-time, Paris pushed hard. Real, deprived of the ball, were holding onto their advantage and Buyo was enjoying a great night in goal, saving from Weah (53') and Ginola (59'). Entering the final 15 minutes Amara Simba was replaced by Daniel Bravo, whose first touch was a header from a Valdo cross that struck the crossbar (75')! 

Seven minutes later, the Parc could celebrate. Valdo found Weah and the Liberian cleverly flicked the ball to Bravo. Back to goal, Bravo cleverly headed the ball towards Ginola who finished on the half-volley (2-0, 81'). Buyo was beaten and Paris were in seventh heaven. A dream goal and Paris were on for the qualification. The scenario of this PSG-Real had become something resembling fiction. A minute before the end of regulation time, the indefatigable David Ginola carried the ball the length of the pitch. After an important touch from Weah, the ball reached the feet of Valdo. In the box the little Brazilian took his compatriot Ricardo Rocha out of the game with a dummied shot before finding the back of the net (3-0, 88').

Mr Puhl, the referee, allowed interminable minutes of added time. Showing pride, Real's Chilean goalscorer Ivan Zamorano surged onto a Michel header and drew the sides level on aggregate (3-1, 90+4').

What followed was remarkable for the Parc, Paris and maybe all of France. A last free-kick for Paris, taken by Valdo. Kombouaré jumps high into the Parisian night sky and heads in his team's fourth goal (4-1, 90+6')! It's a legendary goal, one of the greatest moments in the history of football. Paris qualified, Paris turned things around with passion and style!

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN - REAL MADRID : 4-1 (1-0)
UEFA Cup - Quarter-final second leg
Thursday March 18 1993 - Parc des Princes (Paris)
Referee: Mr. Puhl (Hungary)
Goals: Weah (33'), Ginola (81'), Valdo (88'), Kombouaré (90+6'), forParis. Zamorano (90+4') for Real Madrid.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN: Lama- Sassus (Germain 76'), Ricardo, Kombouaré, Colleter - Le Guen (c), Guérin, Valdo - Simba (Bravo 73'), Weah, Ginola. Coach: A. Jorge
REAL MADRID : Buyo (c) - Nando, Ramis, Rocha, Lasa - Hierro, Michel, Prosinecki, Luis Enrique (Alfonso 83'), - Butragueno (Villaroya 75'), Zamorano. Coach: B.Floro