Paris Saint Germain calamitous start to 2023 proceeded to another level, as they were defeated and thrown out of the French Cup last 16 on Wednesday night by Olympique De Marseille.
Olympique De Marseille had only gotten a victory over the Parisians in two previous occasions, since the team from Paris were bought by Qatar Sport Investment Group (QSI) in 2011.
But with goals from former Manchester United and Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez and a beauty of a strike from Ruslan Malinovskyi, they were guaranteed passage to the next round.
Sergio Ramos scored the equalizer for Paris Saint Germain in the first half but they still went down to the onslaught of the Olympians.
Paris Saint Germain have lost three times so far this year and this defeat against Marseille is coming in a week when they battle Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich would be looking at the woes of Paris Saint Germain in the new year and possibly be licking their lips, against a side who have been wishy-washy in 2023.
They were without Kylian Mbappe for the clash against the Olympians, the Frenchman would also not be available for their encounter with the team from Germany.
Paris Saint Germain Captain, Marquinhos speaking in an uncharacteristic tone
Captain Marquinhos has spoken in unfamiliar tone, stating they will now need to “shut their mouth and work” to get back to their best.
“They pressed high and we did not manage to break the lines. It hurts because it was a Cup game against our great rival,” he said.
The manager of Olympique Marseille, Igor Tudor certainly enjoy every taste of their victory to Paris Saint Germain.
Igor Tudor said: “Amazing guys, they’re champions. It’s awesome for the club.”
The Olympians went into the lead in the 31st minute, when Alexis Sanchez converted a penalty after Cengiz was brought down in the box by Sergio Ramos.
Sergio Ramos made amends for his errors as he nodded Neymar’s corner two minutes into additional time of the first half.
Moments before that, Neymar had his 18-metre strike hitting the post but the Stade De Velodrom knew there was still time for more drama.
The Stade De Velodrom became more boisterous after Ruslan’s strike
The electric Stade De Velodrom then became more fiery and hot as Ruslan Malinovskyi who came on a loan deal from Atalanta in the Italian Serie A beat Italian goalie, Gianluigi Donnaruma in goal for Paris Saint Germain.
Ruslan Malinovskyi strike was a well struck half-volley from outside the 18-yard-box, with the shot flying into the top corner and beaten Donnaruma in goal for PSG.
Sergio Ramos had a goal that was chalked off for offside in additional time of the match, as Olympique Marseille fought hard to remain in sight of victory.
This is the only competition that Lionel Messi has participated in and is yet to lay his hand on the trophy losing on more than one occasion so far.
Paris Saint Germain would be hoping that their bad run comes to a halt quickly, as they have a date soon with Bayern Munich who can be fierce and merciless on their day.
