After losing two matches in three games, the position of PSG is not looking good in Group H of the UEFA Champions League, as they struggle with the absence of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
The Champions League runners-up are currently third on the group with three points separating them from Manchester United and Leipzig, which they lost two games against.
All the French champions have to do now is to save their face by winning their remaining games. They could be doing this without two of their talisman to have any hope of progressing to the next round of the tournament.
This seasons’ Champions League is a contrast to how Ligue 1 teams fared last season, having two teams in the last four. Olympique Marseille, Rennes, and PSG were all on the losing side yesterday, making it the first time three French clubs will lose during the same week in the Champions League since October 2011.
Their next Champions League engagement will be to host RB Leipzig and they must get a win at all cost to increase their hope of qualifying before traveling to Old Trafford and later welcome Turkish champions, Istanbul Basaksehir at home.
Leipzig vs PSG highlight
PSG had gone ahead through Angel Di Maria, missed a penalty before suffering a 2-1 loss.
The French champions also see red as both Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe were given the marching order in the second half on Wednesday. Gueye got a second yellow for a 50-50 challenge on Amadou Haidara with 20 minutes while Kimpembe was also sent off in stoppage time.
Dayot Upamecano’s back pass was intercepted by Moise Kean. The on-loan Everton striker then deftly played in Di Maria to break the deadlock in five minutes.
Ten minutes later, Di Maria earned a penalty when Upamecano handled Kean’s shot. Unfortunately, the Argentine’s spot-kick was saved by Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
The hosts then turned round the tie through a leveler from Former PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku with a low shot from outside the area just before half-time, and Emil Forsberg’s penalty.
The impact of Neymar and Mbappe in Champions League can’t be shelved aside in PSG attack
Progressing to the next round of the Champions League will be a hard task without Neymar and Mbappe. The duo has joined Mauro Icardi and Marco Veratti on the treatment table, leaving Thomas Tuchel with only Moise Kean and Angel Di Maria to rely on as attacking options.
The impact of Neymar on the team is enormous. Although the Brazilian is yet to score in the Champions League, he has provided four assists in the six games he has played so far after recovering from COVID-19 and served a suspension.
His recent hamstring injury is no doubt a huge set back that is coming at the time Mbappe is also out of action. Once you have Neymar on the pitch, you are at least guaranteed of at least assists if not goals, as the Brazilian has both in quantum.
Meanwhile, Neymar and Mbappe are expected to be back after the international break depending on the extent of their recovery. This should be a boost to Tuchel, who is currently under pressure.
But the German had at a post-match press conference said he is undisturbed about losing his job, noting that it’s normal for his job to be questioned after initially losing their opening game to Manchester United on their home ground.
“The press in France always asks the question, says that I am in danger.
“It’s been like that since my arrival, I don’t know why. It’s the impression that the press and the environment are very, very critical, that’s how it is.
“We can accept that it does not change my work with the team and the staff. It’s the life of a coach in Paris, it’s never enough. No problem for me. There are difficult phases in sport.
“Our expectation is not to win each game, we also know what state we are in each game. Today, it was possible to win, it was possible to draw in the same match.
“If we win [on November 24 against Leipzig] at the Parc [des Princes], the situation is totally the opposite.”
The work of PSG is currently difficult, but they do have a two-plus goal difference advantage over the Germans, who they play in the next matchday in Paris. Winning the game will put them in the second position.
