Zaire-Emery as savior, Mbappé perforator, Donnarumma responds… The notes of the Parisians

Paris Saint-Germain qualified painfully for the round of 16 of the C1 after their draw against Borussia Dortmund (1-1) on Wednesday.

We had to fight until the last moments. PSG qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday December 13, drawing at Borussia Dortmund (1-1). The Parisians were virtually eliminated for a moment, but they finally came through the back door thanks to AC Milan’s victory against Newcastle (1-2). Without Manuel Ugarte but with Lee Kang-In and Bradley Barcola starting, Luis Enrique made an offensive choice, which did not really pay off despite many opportunities.

Gianluigi Donnarumma: 6.5

He was heavily scrutinized Wednesday evening after his recent glaring foot errors. Although he did not have to work too hard in this sector, he was often imperious on his line against long-range strikes from Marco Reus (11th and 26th), Salih Ozcan (32nd) or Julian Brandt (47th). ). He is hidden by many players on Karim Adeyemi’s goal but is not ideally placed either.

Achraf Hakimi: 4.5

Very discreet in the first period when the game tilted to the other side, he initially did not make a big mistake without contributing offensively either. His laxity in recovering Ramy Bensebaini which caused the opening of the score almost cost PSG dearly, but his sublime opening for Mbappé’s disallowed goal would have deserved a better conclusion (78th). He finished the match much better after Zaire-Emery’s goal.

Milan Skriniar: 3.5

Visible excitement, whether on the restart (4th) or marking on Marius Wolf (14th), fortunately covered by Lucas Hernandez. Still too easily eliminated in his area (26th). A strike in the area deflected by Kobel in the 18th minute. Alongside Marquinhos, he will not have reassured in a big meeting.

Marquinhos: 4.5

Next to an uncomfortable Skriniar, Marquinhos did the job without much relief, particularly offensively. The Parisian captain did not have the influence that one would expect from him, but he was serious in his interventions.

Lucas Hernandez: 5.5

The most consistent Parisian defender on both sides of the field Wednesday evening. He twice hampered the Borussia shooter at the last minute (15th and 32nd), and was at the origin of a bright opening for Kylian Mbappé for the best Parisian opportunity of the first period (17th). Less visible after the break but no obvious defensive error.

Warren Zaire-Emery: 7

A discreet first period, before a very high level second. The French international was, as often, the decisive player for PSG this season, scoring his first goal in the Champions League following Dortmund’s goal. He raked a lot of balls, often playing very fair and preventing the Parisians from doubting. His rise in power has done a lot of good for PSG. He was voted man of the match.

Vitinha: 6.5

His position as the first booster did a lot of good for a central defense that was not very calm and hampered by the positioning of Marco Reus. A nice strike in the 12th minute from outside the area, well saved by Kobel. Without Manuel Ugarte, his association with Zaire-Emery and his technical accuracy have long relieved the Parisian environment.

Lee Kang-In: 4

Preferred over Manuel Ugarte in the middle at kick-off for his ability to press, he did not deviate from his reputation, often initiating the Parisian pressing. A few incursions but still too much technical waste, especially when making the decisive move. Dropped in pace as the match went on.

Kylian Mbappé: 5.5

He had to change the course of this very important match, and he almost was the man for the job if Niklas Süle had not diverted his shot with the tip of his foot at the last minute (17th) and if his 2-1 goal had not been refused for an offside position (78th). It is he who launches Randal Kolo Muani on two biggest chances of the first half missed by the former Nantes player. Involved in all the dangerous actions of the Parisians, including the withdrawn cross which led to the reduction of the score. Lots of percussion but no purpose.

Bradley Barcola: 4

He’s still green at this level of competition, and it clearly showed. Voluntary on his left side, he found the post with a beautiful curled shot after a shift from Mbappé (20th). He missed a goal ball in the 78th minute and sometimes poorly negotiated the Parisian counterattacks through haste. His association with Hernandez on the left side in defense was sometimes taken aback at the start of the match.

Randal Kolo Muani: 4.5

Very generous in the calls, he also greatly erred in the last gesture. Launched twice by Mbappé, he eliminates Hummels and Süle with his speed but his flick grazes the post (23rd), then hits too hard on Kobel on a new opening from Mbappé (45th). More efficiency on his part could have allowed the Parisians to finish this phase at the top of their group.