On Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain took on RB Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena in the 6th round of the Champions League 2024-2025. After a match in which the Rouge et Bleu outrageously dominated, they won 0-3. Here are our notes on the Parisians.
Goalkeeper –
Gianluigi Donnarumma (5) – Had nothing to do in the first half. Didn’t have much more to do in the second.
Defenders –
Achraf Hakimi (7) – Intense on the right, he was selfless with his passes. Set up Ramos’ goal in the first half. A little more withdrawn in the second half.
Marquinhos (6) – What can I say except that he obviously didn’t have much to do against struggling opponents. He was caught off guard once or twice, but without any consequences.
Willian Pacho (6) – As with Marquinhos, he managed what little work he had to do. Always hard on the man, he thwarted many of Austria’s attempts.
Nuno Mendes (7) – Active, positioned higher up, he was interesting. His goal rescued his team, who were beginning to have doubts. Replaced in the 83rd minute by Lucas Hernandez.
Midfielders –
Joao Neves (7) – An interesting midfielder who never gives up. His technique opens up many possibilities. Plays like an experienced player. Sometimes, he could play faster.
Vitinha (7) – Good game from him, he hasn’t regained all his confidence, but he’s coming back. He’s got the ability not to lose the ball and, when he wants to, he knows how to break down lines.
Fabian Ruiz (6) – He brings something to the table, but not enough to be incredible. He does some good things, but never really incredible things. We’re expecting more, especially as he plays such an important role in this team. Replaced in the 73rd minute by Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Forwards –
Lee Kang-in (6) – He’s got quality, but he always comes back on his left foot and often sweeps the pitch sideways. Needs to take more risks with his passes and choices. Quiet in the second half.
Gonçalo Ramos (6) – Didn’t get many touches on the ball, but scored the confidence-boosting goal. Interesting in the box. Replaced by Désiré Doué in the 66th minute.
Bradley Barcola (7) – Better than in Ligue 1, he rediscovered the space he had lost in the league. He allowed himself to believe again, as his lack of success seemed to have destabilized him a little. He hurt Salzburg in sequences. He was a bit garbage in the second half.
Coach –
Luis Enrique (6) – A fairly classic team at kick-off, it’s a shame he doesn’t ask his players to play faster. There are still too many moments that resemble handball. Preparing actions is all very well, but sometimes you have to take risks, accelerate and surprise.
