Paris snatch their first win against Girona
Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 win over Girona at the Parc des Princes was the perfect way to kick-start their campaign in the new UEFA Champions League format. Here's a look back at the match!
A return to the Parc des Princes, with its shiver inducing anthem and the adrenaline present as is customary on big European nights: it was in this very special setting that our Parisians set out in this brand new UEFA Champions League format. Luis Enrique had made a few adjustments for the occasion. Matvey Safonov started for the first time in official competition, while Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery returned to the starting line-up behind an attacking trio of Dembélé-Asensio-Barcola.
Although Girona were new to the competition, our Parisians were not going to underestimate the quality of the Catalan outfit, last season's sensation on the other side of the Pyrenees. Faced with a tough opponent, they had to take the game very seriously, and Luis Enrique's men did just that. Focused on their task, very active with the counter-press and diligent in their passing, they managed to take control of possession, while getting close to Paulo Gazzaniga's goal, who saw 7 Parisian shots flash before his eyes... While the Spaniards remained without the slightest chance.
So after the break, both teams had no choice but to try and find the back of the net! And that's exactly what happened as soon as the whistle blew for the second half, the intensity went up a notch. Ousmane Dembélé was off like a rocket but denied at the last after a 50-metre run! (53'). The move that showed the growing momentum of the Rouge et Bleu. The No10 was determined to step it up a gear, and another of his chances was saved by the opposition keeper (57'), who was then helped by his post to stop the danger after another shot (62').
With the clock ticking down, the Parisians were under increasing pressure, and all that was missing was a touch of pragmatism. Luis Enrique therefore decided to bring in some new blood with the combined contributions of Joao Neves, Kang-in Lee and Désiré Doué. Randal Kolo Muani's header was also saved (70').
The pressure was mounting, with yet more efforts from Randal Kolo Muani (81') and Achraf Hakimi (85')... Finally, it was Nuno Mendes who sent the Parc into raptures! The Portuguese crossed from the left and Gazzaniga deflected the ball into his own net! (1-0, 90'). A little luck to crown a consistent second half, against a goalkeeper who had made it so difficult for the Parisian forwards...
After a complicated match against an opponent who gave nothing away, Paris Saint-Germain finally managed to kick-start their European campaign with a precious victory over Girona. It was a result that gave the Rouge et Bleu their 5th consecutive victory in as many official matches this season! On Saturday, the Parisians return to Ligue 1 action at Reims, where they will be hoping to build on their near-perfect start to the season...