PSG secured their spot in the last 16 with a 5-4 aggregate win, but it was far from a vintage performance at the Parc des Princes. Too content to just “manage” the game, the Parisians invited pressure and settled for a draw. Here’s how the players fared:
Goalkeeper
- Matvey Safonov (6): Relatively solid when called upon. Could do very little about either goal.
Defence
- Achraf Hakimi (4): A frustrating night. Showed flashes of inspiration but was far too erratic with his passing.
- Marquinhos (6.5): Led by example. Popped up with a goal and remained composed at the back while his teammates lacked flair.
- Willian Pacho (6.5): The “Rock.” Produced several vital interventions, though he looked less comfortable when asked to play out from the back.
- Nuno Mendes (4): Much like Hakimi, he blew hot and cold. Unfortunately, there was more “cold” than “hot” tonight.
Midfield
- Joao Neves (5): Struggling for form. Failed to dominate the physical battles and his offensive contribution remains hit-and-miss.
- Vitinha (5): Tidy on the ball as usual, but lacked any real bite or penetrative passes.
- Warren Zaïre-Emery (5): Plenty of industry and covered the ground well, but offered very little in terms of top-tier creativity.
Attack
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (5.5): Got himself on the scoresheet and looked lively, but his final ball was often lacking precision.
- Bradley Barcola (4): A peripheral figure for most of the match. Had a few bright sparks but lacked the consistency to really trouble the Monaco defence.
- Désiré Doué (6.5) – MAN OF THE MATCH: The standout performer in an otherwise lacklustre PSG side. Provided a lovely assist for Marquinhos and was the only real source of spark.
Manager
Luis Enrique (5): Accused of being too cautious. At 2-1, PSG had the chance to put the game to bed but chose to sit back. A poor first half suggests he still hasn’t found the right formula for consistency.
