The U19s book their ticket in the next round!

Starting eleven 

Mouquet – Lamy, El Hannach (c), Fernandez-Veliz – Zague, Kari, E. Mbappé (Michut, 84’), Muntu Wa Mungu – Mukelenge (Tchicamboud 70’), Gharbi – Housni.

The way it played out 

Four wins in five matches: Les Rouge et Bleu had been on an almost perfect run in the UEFA Youth League group stage. Up against Maccabi Haifa, Zoumana Camara’s side needed one final push to ensure their qualification for the next round. A crucial match that Paris Saint-Germain, leaders of Group H, approached with real determination, knowing that the team behind them in the group, Juventus took on Benfica.

After their convincing win in Israel on Matchday 2 (5-0), Les Parisiens were focused on putting in another complete team performance. The rather intense start to the match just served to confirm it, with real control in midfield and devastating changes of rhythm. Following an early chance for Ismaël Gharbi (8’), Yoram Zague, was played in down his right wing and got the scoring started with a shot across goal (1-0, 11’).

Zoumana Camara’s side then intelligently managed that lead. Returning for the second half with the desire to quickly secure the win, our Rouge et Bleu stepped up a gear. It paid off when Ismaël Gharbi doubled his side’s lead after a superb solo move (2-0, 50’). Les Parisiens maintained the same rhythm and even added another thanks to a great run from Christ Mukelenge (3-0, 63’). The visitors’ late goal wouldn’t impact the result of the game (3-1, 76’). Mission accomplished.

Next up 

This victory allowed Paris Saint-Germain to secure their ticket in the next round.  With Juventus coming out on top in Lisbon, our Rouge et Bleu will head straight into the Round of 16, if they beat the Bianconeri on 2 November, on Matchday 6 and the final match of the group stage.