06/09/2022 Champions League Group Stage, Parc des Princes
PSG manage to see off Juventus in their opening group stage fixture in the Champions’ League in a game which saw the home side at their best in the first half, but an intensity-sapped second-half let Juventus in with a chance for a nervy ending at the Parc des Princes. Mbappé opened the scoring in the fifth minute to put the Parisian side in front after a sumptuous set-up from Neymar, scoring a second in the 22nd minute with MNM combining once again. From then on it looked comfortable from PSG until halftime – the home side’s attack were slick and decisive and it looked all too easy at times. However, as the second half progressed Juventus brought on American Weston McKennie, who buried a header to enact a nervy second half for the home side, who ultimately saw the game through.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – 2 (Mbappé, 5′, 22′)
Donnarumma, 7 – Made a great save in the first half to deny a header from Milik, but was at fault for PSG’s goal conceded in the second half, caught in no-mans land for Juventus’s corner routine. Some great saves as Juventus were pushing for an equaliser caps of a decent performance for the Italian.
Ramos, 8 – Solid and assured from the off, Ramos was quite simply the bedrock of the PSG defence, practically reducing Vlahovic to very little in terms of goalscoring chances. On the ball he was also good, at times joining in with the attack and was vital in order to see out a rejuvenated away side in the latter stages of the game.
Marquinhos, 7
Kimpembe, 7
Hakimi, 7
Vitinha, 8 – After suffering an injury against Nantes last week the midfielder was restored to Christophe Galtier’s starting line-up, and you can see why he’s such an important player. Alongside Verratti the Portuguese international kept the ball effectively and was a key transition player for PSG, launching attacks and counter attacks to the more star-studded forward positions.
Verratti, 8
Mendes, 7
Messi, 8 – Another glimmering performance from the Argentine, who combined really well with Hakimi down the right hand side initially and roamed around the number 10 position so effectively. In the second half his dribbling and link-up play raised to another level and combined majestically on multiple ocaisons with Mbappé and Neymar.
Neymar, 7 – Incredible assist for the opening goal, troubled the Juventus defence with quality runs and dribbling ability – showed the necessary discipline to come back and defend, maturity coming into his game.
Mbappé, 8 – Two goals in the first 22 minutes for the Frenchman who showed his deadly clinical streak – he arguably could have scored more, but his game is becoming more and more poacher-like. However, didn’t quite reach the same levels as the second half drew on, but a solid first half saw him through.
Others: Danilo 6, Mukiele 6, Soler 6, Sanches, 6
JUVENTUS – 1 (McKennie, 53′)
Perin, 6
Bremer, 5
Bonucci, 5 – Looked far away from his best showing in the first half, slow to react to PSG’s outstanding build-up play and couldn’t deal with the pace of Neymar and Mbappé in the home side’s attack. However, managed to settle down in the second half and kept PSG’s attack mostly at bay.
Danilo, 6
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Kostic, 7
Caudrado, 6 – Started slowly in the first half, just as the rest of his side – but grew into the second as Mckennie came onto the pitch, combining well with the American. Ultimately couldn’t do enough to change the game for Juventus.
Parades, 8 – Was the best of the Juventus midfield in the first half, kept possession well and tidy and released well to start Juventus’s attacks – as the game wore on Paredes improved as his side was pushing for an equaliser, ran midfield effectively despite the initial set back of conceding two goals, showed good character.
Miretti , 6
Rabiot, 6
Vlahovic, 5
Milik, 7
Others: Weston McKennie 7 – Came on in the second half to aid Juventus’s woes, gave the Italian side’s right hand side energy and impetus during the latter stages of the game.
Locatelli 6, De Sciglio 6, Keane, 6