At the Parc des Princes
Dominating is not winning. Perfect example with this PSG-Newcastle, Tuesday, at the Parc des Princes. And again, it could have been worse for Luis Enrique’s men, trailing for a long time after this goal from Alexander Isak in the first period and who waited for a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé in stoppage time to take a breather (1-1). At the end of the suspense… A penalty which changes a lot of things with a view to a possible accession to the 8th of the Champions League… Paris shot 31 times. Long sterile domination. At the same time, Dortmund, qualified, won in Milan (1-3).
Pushed by a burning stadium, PSG wasted no time in settling into the English half, with this strike from Ruiz (4th) and especially this backheel from Mbappé (9th). The stifling Parisian pressure decreased a little in intensity after the first quarter of an hour, offering a few opportunities to Newcastle, including one which should have ended at the bottom with Isak alone at six meters (12th). Above for the Swede. It wouldn’t take long for him to catch up. Taking advantage of a surprising lack of aggressiveness from several Parisians, Livramento wandered around the edge of the area to find Almiron, who sent a seemingly innocuous strike towards Donnarumma. A priori only. The Italian doorman was unable to pick up. Gift for Isak (0-1, 24th). Aggressive and diligent if not brilliant, the Magpies contained their hosts well, trembling only moderately on two attempts from “Dembouz” (23rd, 32nd). Paris powerless. A long shot from Ruiz (43rd), a blocked shot from Dembélé (45th 2) and we left it there at half-time (0-1 MT).
No change at the start, except to swap Lee and Ruiz on the field. Change of attitude then? Neither. Sterile domination of the Parisians, at least until this through ball from Lee, deflected by Kolo Muani, with Dembélé who came up against Pope, XXL. The ball was still alive and Mbappé missed his return (55th). Frustration was growing in the Parisian ranks, like this ball cleared in the stands by Dembélé, stupidly warned (58th). Having come into play a few minutes earlier, Barcola gave the Parc a thrill (66th, 67th)… which really needed it.
The former Lyonnais did good. The spark that was missing. With success, it would have been better… Still this frustration, with penalties demanded but not obtained. Only boxes for protest. Still, Paris was pushing. Newcastle folded… but did not break. Time was on the side of the English. The Parc des Princes was losing its voice, fear creeping into the stands. A man to torture the Parisian people: Pope, the impassable English goalkeeper, who stood in front of Mbappé (88th) for the first time before seeing his second shot lick his post. It was his evening. The Newcastle players were playing for time. They saw Szymon Marciniak, the France-Argentina referee, change the match with this English hand sanctioned and this penalty awarded. Generous ? Perhaps more than the one that Hakimi was denied. Mbappé did not procrastinate (1-1, 90 7). It took nerves of steel not to flinch at that moment, facing an overexcited Pope all evening. He didn’t break down. The penalty of hope (1-1).
