PSG coach Luis Enrique celebrates their victory over Liverpool in the Champions League last 16.
Image: Jean Catuffe / DPPI via AFP
Paris Saint-Germain’s away kit in their Champions League second leg, last 16 match against Liverpool featured a pair of wings on their sleeves, which is part of a collaboration with Nike’s Jordan brand.
On Wednesday night they soared, producing one of the most epic away performances at the Reds’ Anfield fortress. It was a masterclass, dipped in technical quality, speed and collective determination. In other words, a proper team effort.
Liverpool were highly fancied to close out the tie at home after their smash and grab effort in the first leg in Paris. But they should have seen the warning lights flashing brightly last week after also being outplayed by PSG.
Following the victory against Liverpool, PSG suddenly finds them in the conversation as one of the favourites to win Europe’s premier club competition. After having to qualify via the playoffs - overcoming Brest - they look like one of the most complete sides left in the competition.
Rio Ferdinand posted on X “PSG are a problem …” and his right, this team looks like it can actually go all the way and make it to their final frontier - annexing the Champions League title.
PSG has been hunting the Champions League trophy ever since they were taken over by their Qatari owners. They reached the final in 2020, but were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich in the showpiece match.
The Qataris have thrown a lot of money at the team in a quest to become champions of Europe, with a number of big signings of the years, which include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar Jr.
The trio’s careers overlapped at the club between 2021 and 2023, but the club’s Champions League record during this time is rather underwhelming.
In the 2020-21 season PSG lost in the semi-finals to Manchester City 4-1 on aggregate with Neymar and Mbappé. A season later they exited in the round of 16, losing 3-2 on aggregate against Real Madrid despite having all three stars after with a dramatic collapse in the second leg.
In the 2022-23 season, the Parisians were knocked out in the round of 16 by Bayern Munich, with Neymar injured for the second leg and Messi and Mbappé unable to break through.
But since their exits from the club, PSG have shifted toward a more balanced, team-oriented approach under manager Luis Enrique, moving away from a reliance on superstar egos.
The 2024-25 season reflects this transition, with PSG now playing some of the best football on the planet with a mix of established stars and outrageously talented youngsters.
Key Players such as Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia give them that little bit of stardust up front, while defenders Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma bring stability at the back.
And then sprinkled in between is some of the best young talent on the planet with left back Nuno Mendes, midfielders Joao Neves and Vitinha and wing Desire Doue all looking like world beaters.
Their biggest strength is definitely their high technical ability across the squad. Add to that a bit of pace, flair in attack and bite, then you have a recipe fit for a Paris eatery.
Enrique has instilled a pressing game and positional fluidity, addressing the defensive frailties that were exposed during the era of the Messi, Mbappe and Neymar. The team’s dynamism and depth allow for rotation and resilience, unlike the top-heavy squads of the past. Even their bench is very good.
Enrique’s track record - winning the 2015 Champions League with Barcelona - and his emphasis on the collective seem to be paying dividends.
PSG’s current form and squad depth make them a dark horse to win the Champions League. The unpredictability of the knockout stages favours a well-drilled unit over a star-reliant one. And PSG look really well-drilled.
@JohnGoliath82