It is a counter-performance that will quickly have to be digested. Hooked by Benfica for their third Champions League match (1-1), Wednesday, October 5, the Parisians marked time for the first time this season on the European scene. A first error of course which marks the spirits, but which does not worry too much the Parisian collective.
— Paris Saint Germain (@PSG_inside) October 5, 2022
“It’s a shame, we always play to win”, immediately regretted Marco Verratti at the microphone of Canal + at the end of the meeting. Wednesday evening, after a difficult start, the Parisians tried everything to change the game, without success. But despite statistics in their favor (60% possession, 15 shots, seven on target), they stumbled on the defense and the Benfica goalkeeper, solid and well in place.
“Benfica gave us difficulties […] It was the little details that made the difference.”recognized Captain Marquinhos. “It’s a fair draw considering the chances conceded on both sides […] The feeling is mixedadmitted Christophe Galtier at a press conference. Benfica had a big burst of energy in the first half, pressing us, looking for depth, which put us in difficulty. If the coach appreciated the reaction of his team in the second half, he regretted the difficulties of his face to the opposing pressing, against which his team for once did not find a solution.
But in an electric atmosphere outside, the Parisians still believe they have made the best of themselves, as Marquinhos insisted: “We knew it was difficult to play here, in this stadium, with this atmosphere, the Benfica team which is in good shape.” “We tried until the end, we fought, we gave what we could”assured Marco Verratti, underlining how much the move in the fury of the Estadio da Luz was “hard”.
In this context, the PSG has correctly saved the furniture. He is still undefeated, still at the top of the group, and still holds his destiny in his own hands to aim for qualification and first place at the end of the group stage.
If the capital club is not panicking, it is also because it has found the great Lionel Messi in its ranks. Author of the only goal of the evening on his only shot on target, the Argentinian has taken care of his statistics (100% of successful dribbles, 100% of duels won). A performance above the fray which reassures his people. “Today he feels a little more comfortable and the team is also playing well, he plays in a position that favors him a lot”, noted Marquinhos. Even in difficulty, the “Pulga” always finds a way to make history. Tuesday evening, he found the net against a 40th different opponent in C1, more than any other player.
RECORD: Messi ha marcado has 40 different teams in the Champions League #UCL pic.twitter.com/bQskLyb8F3
— League of Campeones (@LigadeCampeones) October 5, 2022
Despite the difficulties, despite the two-faced match, the time is not for panic in the Parisian clan. “When you can’t win, you shouldn’t lose”put Marco Verratti into perspective. “In a week we will play at home, we will have to take the three points.” The group is already projected towards revenge, next week, at the Parc des Princes.