This Tuesday, the women’s teams of Paris Saint-Germain and OH Leuven will face off at the Parc des Princes (broadcast on Disney+) at 9 p.m CET. for Matchday 5 of the 2025-2026 Women’s Champions League. PSG coach Paulo César discussed the match in a press conference. He was particularly clear.
Paulo César: “We can’t afford to lose this one.”
“Do you think it’s a decisive match for what comes next?”
“Yes, of course tomorrow’s match is crucial; we can’t afford to lose it. However, there are certain things we need to be mindful of during the match, and we’ll try our best to ensure things go well so we can get back to the results we’re lacking in the Champions League.”
Paulo César: “We need results, and to continue, our destiny isn’t in our own hands right now.” “
We see that you’re getting good results in the league, how do you explain this contrast with the Champions League?
In the Champions League, we saw that the quality of play was good. However, we lacked clinical finishing in both penalty areas. At the highest level, it’s the details that count, and we were lacking both offensively and defensively. We had some very high-level players who weren’t at their best.
In football, you always have the opportunity to do better in the next match. Today, we still have a chance, and for me, it’s the last chance we have tomorrow (Tuesday). We need results, and to continue, our destiny isn’t in our own hands now,” as reported by L’Equipe.
There’s certainly reason to be pleased with what PSG has shown in terms of their play during their Champions League matches, which is no small feat. However, it’s impossible to be truly satisfied with such a terrible record: four defeats. Against very good opponents, admittedly. That doesn’t change the fact that Paris is on the brink of elimination, sitting in last place.
They now need to pick up points, especially to maintain a glimmer of hope depending on other results. Also, to avoid finishing with zero points. That would be hard to swallow. And somewhat unfair considering their performances. But that’s football. Efficiency is sometimes seen as a separate factor, an excuse for disappointing results. Yet it’s undeniably part of the game.
Let’s hope the Parisiennes manage to turn things around tonight, at least to minimize the regrets. Even if qualification wouldn’t be guaranteed with a win tonight, perhaps it would give them a glimmer of hope for the final matchday.
