This Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain won 2-4 (video summary PSG/Manchester City) against Manchester City on matchday 7 of the Champions League 2024-2025 league phase at the Parc des Princes. We present you with some of the highlights and lowlights of the victory.
Tops –
Joao Neves
Because before the result, before anything else, we have to acknowledge that the little Portuguese was immense, even before his goal. He was involved in all the duels, all the defensive inspirations, he played well and made City bend with intensity. He scored with his head, and yet he’s so small. His character reinforces the idea that PSG may have one of tomorrow’s very best. His match was exceptional.
An incredible scenario
You had to see the obvious. PSG dominated, didn’t score and scored two goals against the run of play. It was all set, it was classic, it was business as usual, and we were about to experience the second half of the evening as usual. But then, for the space of a match, the club was plunged into another dimension. This reversal of fortune, Dembélé’s goal, Barcola’s and Neves’ first, reinforced the idea that PSG didn’t deserve to be where they were. Yet it’s these scenarios that shape a team.
The players played at an incredible level
With very few errors, correct choices and favorable counter-attacks, the Parisian players shone. Donnarumma was good with his feet, even coming off the corners. Marquinhos and Pacho were royal, and Hakimi, as usual, was at his best. In midfield, the two pocket Portuguese clearly smothered City’s midfielders. Even Ruiz was very good.
Lastly, up front, Barcola came to life after the break, and Doué indirectly scored Paris’ second goal with a fine cross after a strong first half. Last but not least, Luis Enrique’s choices were good: Ramos’ goal, Hernandez’s character and Zaire-Emery’s impeccable performance. Finally, Dembélé’s entrance changed everything. He was hungry, he hurt and he scored. PSG were unplayable tonight.
Flops –
Lee – The only player really in
The Korean isn’t a bad player, far from it. He’s just less physical and, above all, doesn’t always play with a great personality. He didn’t have a bad game, but when you look at his team-mates’ performances, you can see that he was well below his best.
Nuno Mendes
Overrun by Akanji, a professional foul. He also made some dubious restarts. His game wasn’t catastrophic, but in the money time, he clearly needed to do more. He’s a player who’s sometimes too detached from the game. When he connects, it makes a difference, but he needs to learn to stay focused and make better choices.