Luis Enrique expressed optimism before the PSG-PSV match, but the team’s lack of finishing led to a disappointing 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes. Despite an early dominant performance, PSG trailed after PSV’s Lang scored. After returning from halftime, Hakimi equalized, yet PSG struggled to convert further opportunities, ultimately facing frustration with a cancelled penalty decision. The draw leaves PSG in need of improvement ahead of their upcoming clash with Marseille in Ligue 1.
“Where you see doubts, I see progress, potential, optimism,” stated Luis Enrique ahead of the match against PSV Eindhoven. Unfortunately for him, the reality told a different story. After a narrow win over Girona (1-0) and a defeat at the hands of Arsenal (2-0), PSG found themselves held to a 1-1 draw by the Dutch champions at the Parc des Princes during the third matchday of the Champions League. Enrique’s squad started strong, taking control and creating numerous opportunities, yet they faltered in their finishing against former OL manager Peter Bosz’s team. Barcola had a couple of chances (11th, 27th), Lee made an effort (16th), and Dembélé hit the post (19th) before shooting wide from outside the box (30th). The goal they sought eluded them despite dominating possession, and they seemed vulnerable whenever PSV countered, as when De Jong scored after a well-placed cross from Lang (34th), changing the match’s momentum.
Buoyed by the goal, PSV shifted the dynamic, causing Paris to lose the rhythm and intensity they had previously shown. The first half ended unfavorably for PSG (0-1).
Finally, a penalty decision overturned
At halftime, a statistic circulated online: PSG had gone 88 shots in the Champions League without finding the back of the net, hitting the woodwork 10 times during that stretch. Against Girona, an own goal by Gazzaniga had been their only score. But after the break, Paris emerged with renewed determination, with Ruiz (49th) and Dembélé (50th) forcing the PSV goalkeeper Benitez into action. Then came Hakimi’s spectacular long-range shot that Benitez failed to stop, leveling the score (1-1, 55th). At last, a breakthrough! PSG pressed forward with Barcola (57th) and Dembélé (59th) leading the charge, while Donnarumma kept a keen eye on Bakayoko (58th). The Italian keeper was relieved to see Til passing instead of shooting with Marquinhos ready to intervene (60th).
As the match progressed, PSG created more chances, primarily through the lively Hakimi. However, they struggled to convert these opportunities into goals. A lull in the game’s pace followed, prompting Enrique to make substitutions, bringing off Dembélé and Barcola. New arrival Kolo Muani nearly turned the tide (86th), and Mauro Jr’s effort just missed the target (87th). Hakimi, who improved significantly in the second half, kept testing the PSV defense (81st, 88th). As tension mounted, Paris thought they had won a penalty after a foul on Asensio, only for the decision to be overturned. A close-range header from Marquinhos in stoppage time (90+5) was kept out, leaving Paris with a heavy heart as the match concluded 1-1. They now turn their attention to a critical clash against fierce rivals Marseille this Sunday in Ligue 1 at the Vélodrome.