The U19s earn second straight UYL win against AC Milan

Earlier this afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain's U19s continued their European campaign against an AC Milan side in top form. As the joint Campionato Primavera 1 table toppers alongside Inter Milan as well as leading Group F thanks to their wins over Newcastle (4-0) and Dortmund (2-1), the Italians went into this game unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, while Les Rouge et Bleu were determined to follow up their 1-0 victory over The Magpies with another triumph and thereby go level on points with their opponents for the day.

THE STARTING XI

Mouquet – Zague (c), Adonis, Kissanga (Mavounia-Kouka, 86'), El Hannach – Diaby – Michut (Mendy, 58’), Mbappé, Mayulu, Bensoula – Sangaré (Mbaye, 86').

Following on from the win at Newcastle, Zoumana Camara decided to stick with a 3-4-3 formation, while Ignazio Abate continued with his usual 4-3-3. From the outset, the visitors made their intentions clear, with Louis Mouquet in fine form and forced into making a double save. However, the Parisians quickly took control of the ball, creating a number of dangerous opportunities. Kamil Bensoula came close to breaking the deadlock with a good cross from Senny Mayulu, but his effort skimmed Andrea Bartoccioni's post.

As the match progressed, the intensity increased, with both teams creating chances but failing to finish them off. But the Titis gradually managed to take the game into their own hands. At the end of the first half, the Parisians thought they had taken the lead, but attempts by El Hannach and Mbappé were turned away by the Italian defence. Eventually, Senny Mayulu's powerful shot into the top corner of the net was enough to give Paris the lead (1-0, 40'). It was with this narrow advantage that the capital club returned to the changing rooms.

In the second half, the Milanese came back with more intent, creating danger and forcing the Red and Blue defence to stay on its toes. Despite being pushed hard, Les Titis showed character to keep hold of their lead. Taking advantage of every space and error in the Italian backline, Paris could have sealed the win thanks to Tony Mendy, who had just come on in place of Etienne Michut, but his effort flew wide.

Milan may have attacked relentlessly, but the Parisians' defence showed great defensive solidity. Led by an excellent Louis Mouquet, who made countless saves right up to the final moments, Paris secured a second consecutive win and defeated AC Milan for the first time this season. The win enabled the capital club to close the gap on their rivals and move provisionally into second place in Group F.

Upcoming matches

The Parisians and Milanese will meet again on November 7 for Matchday 4 of the UEFA Youth League. In the meantime, Zoumana Camara's Titis will travel to Amiens for Matchday 10 of the French U19 championship.

(Crédits : J.Azouze/PSG)