PSG Triumphs- Paris Saint-Germain outwitted Leipzig to reach their first-ever Champions League final. Angel Di Maria starred in his three-goal contribution as Thomas Tuchel’s men finally showed their disappointment in the competition. They were in contention to either face Lyon or Bayern (which the latter won) in the ultimate stage. Julien Nagelsmann’s dream story ended in the last four stages but the German club has a lot to build for in future.
The French champions quickly got on to the stride after Marquinhos headed home from an early Angel Di Maria free-kick after Neymar skimmed the post from a fantastic pass by Mbappe. The Argentine next got on the score sheet next for his team’s second with Leipzig keeper Gulasci gifting the ball to Neymar, whose resulting pass did everything.
Second half was no different. The better team of the two tripled their lead inside ten minutes after the restart. Left-back Juan Bernat met Di Maria’s cross to finish off the tie, truly beyond Leipzig reach. The German side relied on counters and direct football on possession but nothing changed their faith in Benfica.
We citied some points in this one way game in a one-off tie:
PSG’s Glamorous front-three
If the Parisians lift the prestigious title this season, it will be because of the magnificent front three they have at their disposal. Throughout the tournament, the trio of Mbappe, Neymar and Di Maria caused a heap of issues for clubs competing in the tournament. They showed that they will not only dominate domestically but also fight for the big prize, the Champions League. In their quarterfinal tie, Mbappe came off late and it helped Neymar to find someone to connect with on the final third. They manage to overturn Atalanta’s early strike as a case. Last night, Di Maria came back from suspension to shows his class. The Argentinian scored one and made the other two as PSG ran out comfortable winners. Neymar also stole the show with his quality. Altogether, the front three is looking deadly and are ready to give everything in the final.
Fantastic pressing game
Another thing that aid PSG’s path to the final is the pressing game they invested in the semifinal tie. Leipzig for themselves played into their hands by committing errors while pressed and ultimately getting crushed. Peter Gulasci’s error in the second goal came as a result with the goalkeeper tried to play a broader pass into the midfield which was intercepted by Neymar and were punished. This neutralizes Leipzig’s quick-fire passing game that they constructed so easily against Atletico in the quarter-finals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEc-BTSLCWA
Ander Herrera’s defying game in the midfield
The Spanish armada showed his true character in a massive stage. This very much poked the eye to those who doubted his capabilities. When the spotlight failed to PSG’s attack, he remained a stature in his role by slowing down Leipzig’s passing game. The former Manchester United skipper made sure there is no construction by the opposition playing out from the midfield, simultaneously forcing them to hold it up. His brilliance to actively keeping out passing lanes by shielding off options. He let the club from Paris dominate possession without any threat. He will try his best to replicate that in the final itself.
Marquinhos the man again:
Neymar’s Brazilian teammate had another solid game to cheer for. Not only because of his goals at crucial stages but for his all-round performances in this stage of the competition. In his pre-match interviews, he cut a determined character and there was no shortage of that in his on-field duties. Capable of playing both as a defensive midfielder and as a centre back, he absolutely killed it with his versatility. This also allowed PSG to keep a high line with one of the best ball-playing centre back pairing structuring their play. He’s a true leader that would love his side enjoy a fruitful night at Lisbon.
Leipzig were hard done by the difference in class
Unfortunately, the German counterparts had little to offer to expect some moment of dominance with their passing play. PSG read their tactics very well and never let them set onto it. The likes of Dayot Upamecano failed to keep out Mbappe and Neymar to have a go at goal. However, this is an incredible story Nagelsmann constructed for his team. Losing out star player, Timo Werner to Chelsea was tough for the side but they fought immensely. Many of them predicted an early exit from them but they got up and defeated Atletico in the quarterfinals. The main stage seemed to have been too much for them but this only will help them to come out big in future.
