PSG Slips Out of Champions League Top 8

In a wonderful European atmosphere at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 against Newcastle on matchday eight of the UEFA Champions League.

PSG clearly wasted a huge opportunity to qualify for the top eight. Les Parisiens were very nervous; their play was disjointed, and it was an evening full of wasted chances. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola did not play well.

Luis Enrique’s bold decision to start Matvei Safonov in goal instead of Lucas Chevalier did not pay off. The match had started rather well with a penalty early on, but Dembélé saw his shot saved by Nick Pope (0-0, 4′).

The Parisians still opened the scoring quickly, attacking down the right with Dembélé passing to Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian played Vitinha in the center for a feint, followed by a low shot from 20 metres that beat Nick Pope (1-0, 8′). It was the Portuguese international’s fifth goal in the Champions League this season.

Paris dominated but suffered a major blow when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was forced off with an injury and replaced by Désiré Doué (1-0, 22′). PSG had possession of the ball but failed to break through before half-time, and the Magpies took advantage to equalise through Joe Willock’s header (1-1, 45’+2).

The English side’s first shot on target made the difference. PSG conceded their 10th goal in their last six games. In the second half, Paris dominated slightly, but Newcastle put PSG under pressure, with the Magpies coming close to winning the game on several occasions in the closing stages. PSG are still unable to beat Newcastle in three Champions League games (two draws, one defeat).

In Luis Enrique’s 150th game as coach, PSG suffered a setback by dropping out of the top eight.

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As in the previous season, PSG will play in the knockout play-off phase

It will be either AS Monaco or Qarabag. The draw will take place on Friday, January 30. If Paris gets through this round, the European champions will play in the Round of 16 against either FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC.

After this group stage, the road to Budapest has become longer, but anything is still possible for PSG.