With the aim of providing our readers with richer content, we had the idea to launch a section analyzing key moments in a match, whether goals scored or conceded, skillful moves, missed opportunities, and more. The aim is to determine the degree of collective or individual success, or error, in each action. Here is the latest installment. This particular sequence focuses on the 1-2 defeat against Bayern Munich during Matchday 4 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. It’s the turnover that leads to Luiz Diaz’s (the 28-year-old Bayern striker) first goal.
The situation when Nuno Mendes receives the pass from Willian Pacho.
For the moment, PSG isn’t necessarily in serious danger, even though Bayern’s pressing is intense. Pacho attempts this pass through the middle, perhaps slightly misjudging it as it doesn’t quite reach Nuno Mendes’ feet. But Mendes himself doesn’t seem to have all the information around him and appears unaware that there’s space to control the ball to the left, or even play it to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Portuguese player instead attempts a control to bypass Dayot Upamecano’s press. It’s very risky, perhaps too risky. Because it’s towards the center, where Bayern are well-positioned. There’s also the Bayern line between Nuno Mendes and his defense, making losing possession very dangerous. Perhaps he should have been more cautious, with more focus and possibly less overconfidence.
The situation after the pass, for Serge Gnabry.
Upamecano’s tackle caught Joshua Kimmich, who played the ball directly to Gnabry. Gnabry then played a very subtle pass to Michael Olise, while Fabian Ruiz was giving his all to get back. Willian Pacho tried to come out, but was beaten by a very nice piece of skill.
What’s really disappointing is that Marquinhos could perhaps close the gap more quickly, especially since Olise and Harry Kane were close together. Most importantly, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Vitinha didn’t get back as quickly as they could have, a lapse that proved costly at the end of the play when they were beaten to the ball by Luis Diaz, who can be seen here at the bottom of the image, further away from the Paris goal than they were.
The situation when Luis Diaz receives the ball after Lucas Chevalier’s save.
As mentioned above, Diaz is in front of Zaïre-Emery in the box, Vitinha is not yet visible. There was a gap in the transition and it was very costly. We wouldn’t want to say that the Parisians lacked desire; that’s too simplistic and often ridiculous. But “less” desire, less grit and determination, is possible. Especially since this goal is just one example of several situations in this half where Bayern were more aggressive and reactive.
