Paris win a thriller!
In their final outing in the International Champions Cup 2018, French champions Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a spectacular last-minute 3-2 victory over Atletico de Madrid in Singapore as Trapp, Kurzawa, Verratti, Lo Celso and Di Maria made their return to the starting XI.
Thomas Tuchel stuck with his 3-4-3 formation as his team continued to prepare for Saturday’s Trophée des Champions against Monaco in Shenzhen. In Singapore, Di Maria was quickly into the action, drawing a first save from Adan (5’). Technically, the midfield trio of Lo Celso, Verratti and Rabiot showed great understanding, but Atletico remained dangerous on the counterattack, illustrated by former Paris forward Gameiro (11’).
An excellent opening half an hour, which included 60% possession, PSG laid siege to the Spanish penalty box. In the end, it was Nkunku that opened the scoring from six yards out with his second goal in 48 hours (1-0, 32’)! Rimane then helped out Trapp with a goal line clearance (41’). Solid in defence and clinical in attack, Paris led 1-0 at the break.
Dig deep!
Thomas Tuchel changed almost his entire starting XI at half time with a number of young players entering the fray. And the kids impressed, starting with Weah, who was within centimetres of catching out Adan (54’)! Then another ‘Titi’ in Diaby hit the post (66’)! The two then combined to fire Paris two goals to the good when Weah cross for Diaby to fire home (2-0, 71’)! But Los Colchoneros weren’t finished yet and Mollejo pulled a goal back (2-1, 76’), before Bernede netted an own goal as Atletico drew level (2-2, 86’).
Then, deep in stoppage time, Postolachi netted a superb winner (3-2, 90+3’), as PSG secured a thrilling win courtesy of the kids from its academy! The ICC 2018 ends on a high note and now it’s off to Shenzhen, where Paris take on Monaco on Saturday looking for a sixth consecutive Trophée des Champions. Bring it on!