PSG's U19s book round of 16 berth!

STARTING XI

Mouquet – Lamy, El Hannach (c), Fernandez – Zague, Kari, E. Mbappé, Muntu Wa Mungu – Mukelenge (Etonde, 78'), Gharbi – Housni (Michut, 87').

THE SCENARIO

Zoumana Camara's men faced Juventus this afternoon in a decisive match in which top spot in the group - which qualifies directly for the round of 16 - was at stake. A prestigious match that Paris Saint-Germain, Group H leaders heading into the match, were approaching with the ambition of backing up their previous results and locking in top spot.

After a spectacular 5-3 victory at the Camp des Loges in the first leg, the Parisians were determined to record a second win against the Bianconeri. The start of the match quickly turned to the advantage of Les Rouge et Bleu, who dominated possession and set up camp in the opponent's half. This relentless pressure paid off when Ismaël Gharbi made the Turin club's defence pay for a poor clearance and broke the deadlock (0-1, 6').

After Ayman Kari and Christ Mukelenge tried their luck from outside the area, it was centre-forward Ilyes Housni who managed to double the lead for Paris Saint-Germain. After Juventus defence conceded possession near the middle of the park, Housni seized the ball and took off alone to beat his defender - and then the keeper, with a curling right-footed shot (0-2, 19'). It was the striker's seventh goal in six UEFA Youth League matches this season.

Even though a reaction from the Juventus players was to be expected, it was the Parisians who maintained control of the game and looked to score a third goal. Zoumana Camara's men were able to win the ball back high up the pitch and quickly get forward, winning several corners. The home side failed to get into the Parisian penalty area and so tried to create danger from set-pieces - to no avail.

Juventus started the second half in a much better manner, with more impact in the challenge and the pressing. This led to a goal from Kenan Yildiz, who was well played in by Luis Hasa for one of the best chances thus far in the Parisian penalty area (1-2, 50'). Moutet managed to get his hands on the ball but was unable to keep it out of the net. This turn of events set the momentum in the favour of Paolo Montero's side, but it quickly dwindled as Kari broke the lines once more. Gharbi cut out his man with deft pass for Muntu Wa Mungu in the area. The Parisian left wing-back played the ball back to Ilyes Housni, who scored the third goal for Paris (1-3, 57').

As Younes El Hannach and his teammates were heading towards another victory, Nehemiah Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card (74'). Despite being a man down, Paris continued to dominate, with Ismaël Gharbi hitting a second on a well-executed offensive transition. Ethan Mbappé carries the ball well and passes to our No.10, who capped off the move with a left foot-footed finish (1-4, 84').

As added time approached, Juventus made one last push and managed to cause more than a few nervy moments in he Parisian defence. After Yildiz scored a second goal with a crisp left-footed shot (2-4, 90'), defender Dean Huijsen scored a third goal for his side from a corner (3-4, 90'). In the final moments of the match, Lorenzo Anghèle broke into the Parisian area and levelled matters with a powerful right-footed shot (4-4, 90'+5).

After a stressful and breathless end to the match, Paris Saint-Germain still managed to secure a draw in Turin, thus ensuring the top spot in their group.

UPCOMING MATCHES

This first-placed finish means that Paris Saint-Germain have made an excellent start to the UEFA Youth League, with direct qualification for the last 16. While waiting to know who their next opponent on the European scene will be, the U19 team will return to the National Championship where they occupy fifth place ahead of the Round 11 league visit of tenth-placed Gonfreville this Sunday at 15:00.