How Paris qualified for the UEFA Champions League knock-out stages
After victory in Belgrade, Thomas Tuchel's side confirmed their passage to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League. Here's how the campaign evolved.
Tuesday 18th September: Liverpool (A) 2-3
For match day one of the UEFA Champions League group stage, two of Group C's favorites met at Anfield, Liverpool, to open their European accounts. Unfortunately on the night, the visitors missed out on a point by the most narrow of margins due to an injury time winner from The Reds Brazilian striker Firmino. Thomas Meunier and Kylian Mbappé had previously put their names on the score sheet for Paris in an exciting tie.
Wednesday 3rd October: Red Star Belgrade (H) 6-1
Champions League action returned to the Parc des Princes for the new season at the start of October, with Les Rouge et Bleu registering a staggering 6-1 win in front of 40,000 spectators in Paris. In a game that saw Thomas Tuchel's enviable attacking force dominate proceedings, Neymar (3), Mbappé, Cavani and Di Maria all registered goals.
Wednesday 24th October: SSC Napoli (H) 2-2
A second consecutive home game saw Paris pick up another point on the road to qualification against Italian side Napoli. The fiercely fought encounter saw both sides trade blows with Paris Saint-Germain cancelling two Napoli leads including a spectacular equalizer from Angel Di Maria with virtually the last kick of the game.
Tuesday 6th November: SSC Napoli (A) 1-1
Just 13 days after the stalemate in Paris, the two sides played each other again, this time on Italian soil. The result however would be the same as the previous encounter, with two physical sides battling it out in a tight game. Despite Juan Bernat opening his European account with the opener, the point was overshadowed by a decision to mistakingly ignore a penalty appeal from the Spaniard after a clear foul. The point left Group C on a knife-edge as Liverpool lost away at Red Star Belgrade on the same night. The results opened up a variety of possibilities for the climax to the qualifications stage.
Wednesday 28th November: Liverpool (H) 2-1
With the stage all set for a make or break tie in Paris, a sell-out crowd packed a chilly Parc des Princes to witness a match between two sides that couldn't afford to lose. Fortunately for the home side, a thoroughly convincing performance saw goals from Bernat and Neymar Jr secure three points for the home team in an electric atmosphere. The win meant that the Parisians would travel to Serbia knowing that a win in the final game would secure their passage to the next round.
Tuesday 11th December: Red Star Belgrade (A) 4-1
This evening's comprehensive 4-1 victory for Paris Saint-Germain in Belgrade ensured Les Rouge et Bleu topped Group C in a night that also saw Liverpool progress to the last 16. Goals from Cavani, Neymar Jr, Marquinhos and a stoppage time strike from Mbappé sealed a fantastic night for the Parisians.
