U19s denied in Dortmund
Paris Saint-Germain's U19s lost 2-0 away to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday on the sixth and final Matchday of the UEFA Youth League group stage. The result means the end of the road for the team in this season's tournament. Here's a look back at the match.
Like their first-team colleagues, Paris Saint-Germain's U19s had their European destiny on the line when they travelled to Dortmund in Germany for the 6th and final matchday of the UEFA Youth League group stage. The stakes were clear for Zoumana Camara's Titis: win at the Dortmund Brackel Training Ground to progress to the knockout phase of the competition.
The starting XI
Mouquet - Zague, Gadou, Adonis, Cordier (Camara, 77') - Mbappé (Khafi, 90'+2), Diaby - Bensoula (Fanne Drame, 76') - Michut (Nhaga, 60'), Mbaye - Sangaré.
the game
The Parisians took to the pitch in a 4-2-3-1 formation, led by captain Yoram Zague. Zoumana Camara kept the spine of his team intact, with Louis Mouquet in goal, Mahamadou Sangaré up front, Kouakou Gadou back in central defence and Ethan Mbappé and Etienne Michut in midfield.
The start of the match quickly set the tone. Spurred on by their objective, our Titis applied an intense high press to stifle the German side. This attitude was reflected in the first openings created in the BvB penalty area, such as Ethan Mbappé's run in the box from a one-two that was intercepted at the last moment after just 5 minutes. The determination of the Red and Blue was clear to see.
But the key to this match was also about maintaining balance. Despite the need to win, the Parisians had to remain wary of defensive transitions against a team that attacks quickly. This pattern summed up the frustrating balancing act in play throughtout the game. Indeed, it was BvB, unfortunately, who had the most success at this game. The Germans broke the deadlock with their first big chance, Bamba finishing off a counter-attack with a powerful shot (1-0, 12').
But the Parisians were stung into action and did not panic. The situation was favourable for the Dortmund team, who had the luxury of being able to sit back in defence after the opening goal. But the Red and Blues kept piling on the pressure with some high-quality football. A cross-shot hit the crossbar (37'), a back-heel from Adonis saved on the line (39')... There was always a head, a foot or a leg to get in the way of the Parisians' attempts.
The Parisians' task became even more difficult just before half-time, when Ibrahim Baye was directly sent off after a slightly confusing situation (44'). A numerical disadvantage that had consequences for the rest of the match. Despite admirable perseverance, the Titis were unable to turn the tide this time around. Right up until the end, the Rouge et Bleu threw everything they had into the battle to get back into the match, creating real chances with ten men (65', 70'), but their luck had clearly run out... especially when Dortmund finally sealed their victory with a lucky shot from Onofrietti (2-0, 77'). Beaten despite their best efforts, Zoumana Camara's side saw their European campaign come to an end.
