If they are to claim the first Champions League title. The PSG will have to overcome their behind on the road following Bayern Munich went into Paris. Also, ended up with a 1-1 win in the opening part in their round of 16 match.
The winner of the first game was scored by the former PSG Academy player Kingsley Coman. Someone, who also scored the winning goal for Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League final against PSG. Kingsley Coman instantly raised his arms. Furthermore, refused to celebrate in a gesture in respect to the supporters of his former club.
So PSG’s slow start to the season continued through European games. The club with a star-studded roster. Thus, currently losing three straight games. Including, a resounding defeat in the Coupe De France. This did not aid the French champions to not have their top player at the beginning. Specifically, in their Champions League first leg.
The star forward Kylian Mbappe was injured with an injury to his thigh in the league. Further, was required to be taken off the bench to play for the Parisians and this happened just following PSG conceded. Mbappe put on a lively performance for a player who wasn’t considered to be 100% fit. He scored one goal in the closing 10 minutes. A goal that was disallowed due to an offside penalty in the buildup.
The second game is scheduled for the 8th of March on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena in Munich and with their attacking ability and a fit Mbappe, PSG will feel that they have a chance of making it to the quarterfinals.
PSG reduces yet again, this time in a huge area:
Champions teams know how to lead a game and impose their will and remind everyone of who is in control. PSG aren’t this team under the current manager Christopher Galtier, who many believed could give PSG an advantage they didn’t enjoy in previous seasons. Each time, PSG disappear from matches and they’re not able to get control of a game.
Bayern Munich bossed the match in the opening half and scored the best goals of the second period before PSG played a few forward in the closing minutes.
PSG are Kylian Mbappe dependent:
PSG were sluggish and uninspired until Kylian Mbappe stepped onto for the team in the 56th minute. He instantly gave the team verticality, acceleration and speed that did not have in the team prior to when his introduction. These same attributes have been removed from the arsenal of 31-year old Neymar and the 35-year-old Messi.
Mbappe was also not present in PSG’s 3-1 defeat to AS Monaco over the weekend and it was an uninteresting performance. This suggests a team that isn’t yet announcing an identity and the team shows this. Do they want to be a team that is based on possession? A counterattacking side? An attacking team? A team that makes its mark through physicality? The new manager Christophe Galtier is no closer to understanding the issue.
Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann make all the right decisions:
PSG might have the biggest players on the field, however, Bayern seemed to be the more superior team and the more well-managed team. We tend to overlook that, as of mid-February Bayern had only lost one game all season long and that was during the Bundesliga to Augsburg. Bayern are also unbeatable during the 2022/23 Champions League, winning every game.
The credit goes thanks to Julian Nagelsmann who got the lineup, substitutions and personnel just right. The 3-4-3 formation was strong and held PSG to one shot in the opening half. The decision to begin Kingsley Coman at wingback, Choupo-Moting to replace Thomas Muller at forward, and then adding Alphonso Davies in the half-time break all resulted in a win for the team.
Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann make all the correct moves:
PSG might have the biggest names on the field however, Bayern appeared to be the stronger team, and also the more managed team. You can easily forget since mid-February Bayern had only lost one game throughout the season, and it was during the Bundesliga to Augsburg. Bayern are also unbeatable for the 2022/23 Champions League, winning every game.
The credit goes for Julian Nagelsmann who got the lineup, the personnel, and substitutions just right. The 3-4-3 formation was strong and held PSG to just one shot in the first quarter. The decision to begin Kingsley Coman at wingback, Choupo-Moting in place of Thomas Muller at forward, and then to add Alphonso Davies in the half-time break all was successful.