For the first time since 1995, Paris Saint-Germain is in the Champions League semifinals. Les Parisiens pulled off an amazing comeback in the closing minutes to eliminate Atalanta with a final score of 2-1. They will face RB Leipzig for a spot in the final.
Les Parisiens came into this game in quite a predicament. Angel Di Maria(suspension) and Marco Verratti(injury) did not take part in the match. Kylian Mbappe was expected to be out due to injury but surprisingly was declared ready to play by PSG manager Thomas Tuchel the day before the match. Mbappe would come off the bench in the 60th minute going on to provide the assist in PSG’s game-winning goal.
32 goal contributions in 33 games 😳
Kylian Mbappe loves the Champions League 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Wks8g59H6u
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 13, 2020
Getting on the scoreboard proved to be very difficult for Les Parisiens. Neymar had several brilliant chances to score but ultimately could not do it. On a positive note, Neymar’s completion of 16 dribbles is the most by a player in Champions League play since April 2008.
Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic would score in the 26th minute, intensifying the pressure for Les Parisiens. PSG would continually threaten and threaten but to no avail. Atalanta’s further attempts to score would fall short but with PSG unable to respond, it looked as though Les Parisiens were on their way out.
However, in the 90th minute, Marquinhos with an assist from Neymar would finally find the answer PSG was looking for and it was 1-1. Two minutes later, PSG’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, with an assist from Mbappe, scored the game-winning goal. The rest is history.
Is PSG Capable Of Winning The Title?
Les Parisiens are definitely worthy contenders. However, it’s not going to be easy going against RB Leipzig. RB Leipzig eliminated Tottenham and Atletico Madrid on their way to the final four. So RB Leipzig is also a worthy contender.
In PSG’s case, Atalanta was a major challenge to overcome, and RB Leipzig is just another obstacle. So far PSG has refused to allow the heavy pressure to get the better of them. To win the title, they must continue to resist the pressure at all costs, as well as play effectively on the pitch.
PSG has potential. Concentration and a winning mentality are their key aspects of winning. The possibility of facing Bayern Munich, Manchester City, or Barcelona in the final shows that PSG can’t afford any costly mistakes.
Follow Alex Al-Kazzaz on Twitter @BearManOfTX
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
