Special correspondent in Dortmund
And that’s all. But that changes everything… PSG sought a draw in Dortmund (1-1) on Wednesday, during the last day of the Champions League. Combined with Milan’s victory at Newcastle (1-2), this result is enough for the Parisians to finish second in group F, behind BVB, and therefore reach the round of 16 of C1 for the 12th time in a row. However, we will have to face a group leader…
The Parisians had difficulty at the start of the match, regularly perforated in the center and between the lines. Donnarumma wasn’t very calm either (10th) before breathing hard when he saw Wolf’s shot go wide (14th). But in the end, they let the storm pass without incident. Before making rain fall on Kobel’s cage. Opportunities, yes, enormous for some of them. Success, no. Vitinha from afar (12th), Barcola on the post (19th), Kolo Muani who eliminates Kobel and slips the ball… right next to the upright (24th)… All without forgetting Mbappé deprived of a goal by a crazy return from Sule (17th). “When you have so many chances, you have to kill,” said “KM” after Newcastle. The lesson was not learned. Paris would have paid the price without a high-class save from Donnarumma on its line (26th) and… this monumental failure from Adeyemi (32nd). The last word went to the visitors in this lively first period, with a face-to-face missed by Kolo Muani (45th) on a serve from Mbappé (0-0 MT).
Paris had more clear chances, control for Dortmund, who also lacked realism. The most surprising thing was in fact that neither team found the net after 45 minutes of action, in this spectacular venue, with a Yellow Wall true to its reputation and an equally fiery Parisian yard. Great atmosphere.
And it wasn’t Adeyemi’s goal that cooled her. On the contrary. Hakimi from up close and Lee from afar (49th) still had the opportunity to make the difference, but it was the young German who made the stadium jubilant (51st). Zaire-Emery tempered him with a shot as clear as it was powerful at the edge of the area (56th). A boxing fight, in which Donnarumma played his part (46th, 62nd). As the minutes passed, PSG managed to weave its web, to settle in the opposing camp. But it was on a transition, a bright opening from Hakimi that Mbappé delivered his team (76th)… until the goal was canceled due to offside. False joy. Real joy at the final whistle (1-1), knowing that Milan had made the difference in the second half after being behind. It is the Italians who take third place, synonymous with the play-offs in the Europa League, while Borussia and PSG advance to the round of 16 of C1. In the end, everyone was happy in Dortmund. Except perhaps Kylian Mbappé, frustrated, who wanted pole…
This second place bodes well for a complicated draw for Paris. The potential opponents are indeed Bayern (its executioner in the 8th last season), Arsenal, Real Madrid (its executioner in the 8th in 2022), Atlético Madrid, Manchester City and Barcelona. Real Sociedad is almost like Tom Thumb. Verdict Monday at 12 p.m.
What to remember from this group stage? That Warren Zaire-Emery already has everything he needs to be great. “We are happy but we know that we could have done better and finished in first place,” he whispered on Canal. At 17 years old, the titi, elected man of the match, is already an executive of this PSG which travels poorly. One point in three trips, with defeats at Newcastle (4-1) and Milan (2-1). Above all, Luis Enrique’s players once again shone through their ineffectiveness this Wednesday. “Sometimes it’s like that, the ball doesn’t want to go in,” regretted Zaire-Emery. This is not the first time… “We will resolve this to be more efficient in C1 and in the championship”, assures “WZE”. At least Paris knows how to react, that’s something.
