Burning, because of the revelations around an upcoming departure of Kylian Mbappé, the last hours had almost made people forget that there was a crucial meeting to play in the Champions League. As in the first leg, Paris Saint-Germain had to settle for a draw against Benfica (1-1) on Tuesday, October 11, missing the opportunity to already qualify for the knockout stages. PSG’s sole scorer from the penalty spot, Kylian Mbappé thought he would give victory and qualification to his team before Joao Mario equalized on the hour mark, also from the penalty spot.
The French international had the merit of trying a lot, to take the game on his own, but he did not manage to decide on his own the outcome of the meeting, as he could do last spring. Like his powerful unbalanced volley which made the Lisbon nets vibrate in the 86th, canceled by the intervention of the VAR. This flash would not have masked the reality anyway: PSG no longer seduces.
What a gesture from Kylian Mbappé!
The goal is unfortunately disallowed for offside #PSGSLB | #UCL pic.twitter.com/jHVmuCoNvv
– CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) October 11, 2022
In the continuity of the draw conceded in the first leg (1-1), the club of the capital confirmed its evils of the moment. He was however expected after a new hitch in Reims, three days earlier (0-0), in the league. But at no time have the Parisians been conquerors against their Lisbon competitors.
As in Portugal, Christophe Galtier’s men lost control of the game. Marco Verratti’s fault at the origin of the opposing penalty was the embodiment of this. While Gianluigi Donnarumma was having a quiet evening, the Italian missed his tackle on Rafa Silva, who had his back to the game and was coming out of the penalty area (62nd). The transformation of the penalty by Joao Mario was also the only shot on target of the Portuguese meeting and, in the end, PSG still conceded a goal, as in their last five European outings.
It is on the other side that Paris Saint-Germain is more expected. Again, the fluidity of the first few weeks has evaporated. Neymar and Kylian Mbappé have been active, too often one after the other than with each other, perhaps troubled by the absence of Lionel Messi, with a calf injury.
Mbappé was behind the best Parisian chances. He first opened the scoring on a penalty (1-0, 40th) caused by Juan Bernat, well served by Marco Verratti. A 31st achievement in the Champions League which allows him to become the top scorer in the history of PSG in C1. His goal counter could have increased more if he had supported his off-center shot with his left foot (45th + 1) or if his rolled up right foot had lodged in the small net (52nd).
At his side, Neymar has picked up a lot. He tried to speed up the game by his quality of dribbling, but far too far from the opposing surface (no shot attempted). We will not have seen anyone else shine offensively on the Parisian side and certainly not Pablo Sarabia (21 balls touched).
Despite its errors and its slow lead, PSG have eight points and are still close to qualifying for the round of 16. Before that, he will have to end his series of unsuccessful matches against the Marseille rival, which he receives on Sunday. A crucial evening, during which Kylian Mbappé will have a new opportunity to become a hero.