Les Parisiens start their campaign well against Juve!

With stars in their eyes, the iconic hymn ringing out in the capital, and shivers down the spines of those inside the on-fire Parc des Princes: the atmosphere had a real feeling of a classic evening of European football as Paris Saint-Germain launched this season’s campaign. But although Les Rouge et Bleu were up against a giant of continental football, Juventus, Christophe Galtier opted to start with a well-oiled starting eleven, with an irresistible Messi-Neymar Jr-Mbappé leading the line from the get-go.

We expected it and the contrast of styles was quickly confirmed inside the ground. On one side, Les Parisiens showed their bite in the final 30 metres of the pitch. At the other, the Italians were defensive and look to surprise on the counter-attack. But it was clearly our strategy that paid off first, and in the 5th minute! 

And who else but the electric Kylian Mbappé to get things started in the capital! After a marvelous flicked ball over the top from Neymar Jr, the World Champion powerfully volleyed into the back of the net to send the Parc into pandemonium! (1-0, 5’) Driven on by the supporters, Les Parisiens brought all of the necessary ingredients to threaten the Old Lady: a deliberately fierce attitude, incredible fluidity and agression.

An infaillible spirit that could also be witnessed at the other end of the pitch, where the Paris defence doubled down for every chance from the visitors, like the double stop from Donnarumma and an incredible intervention from Ramos to frustrate duo Milik-Vlahovic (19’). A helping hand before the coup de grâce!

Becuse if you arrived late, Kylian Mbappé decided to do it again! From a school-boy move started by Marco Verratti and played on by Achraf Hakimi, our n°7, was quicker than his chasing bodyguards, and let rip with a quick-fire effort to find the back of the net for a second time (2-0, 22’). We were then treated to several excellent aspects. From Messi’s genius feet to Verratti’s delicious tackles, without forgetting the forward runs from our wing-backs: there was plenty on the menu for all to enjoy.

However, against the Bianconeri, our Rouge et Bleu also needed to dig deep in the second half in order to maintain the lead. A tough challenge because the Italian side had a strong period of domination, during which they pulled one back when Mckennie scored from a corner  (2-1, 53’). After the initial show, Les Parisiens needed to pull on their blue overalls in order to hold on amid the challenging times. In keeping with their character, Christophe Galtier’s side were able to contain the visitors, while continuing to pose a threat to Perin’s goal.

With ferocity, self-sacrifice and solidarity, our Rouge et Bleu managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle. And it’s with this excellent victory in the bag that they were able to kick off their European campaign in the best way possible. The first step of a long journey that will take us to Israel next week.