On Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League poor start continued as they were drawn 1-1 by PSV Eindhoven, leaving coach Luis Enrique “worried” about his team’s future.
Noa Lang gave the Dutch champions the lead after 30 minutes at the Parc des Princes, but Achraf Hakimi equalized early in the second half. PSG should have won this game given the chances they produced, but they struggled to score again, a common problem in Europe.
“It is difficult to accept the result after a game like that but we already knew that football is often unfair,” he remarked. “We played well throughout and were better than PSV.”
When a penalty was denied on review after a challenge on Marco Asensio in injury time, PSG’s displeasure was clear. The French giants had 26 shots to their opponents’ 8. They have scored only twice in their last five Champions League matches, an own-goal against Girona last month.
Last season’s semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund, 2-0 on aggregate, started that streak.
“I think it is obvious that we created a lot more chances than our opponents and we deserved to win the game,” he said.
PSG have four points from nine after a 1-0 win over Girona and a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in their first two matches in the new format. With five games left, they face Atletico Madrid at home and Bayern Munich away, suggesting things won’t get any easier.
“This is the worst category (fixtures), therefore we must improve and keep going. However, it is difficult and I am scared “coach added.
PSV is winless after losing to Juventus and drawing Sporting. The Dutch team, which has a spotless record after nine Eredivisie games, is making a significant step up in Europe.
“The players did a great job tonight and I am really proud of them to leave with a point,” stated PSV coach Peter Bosz.
Ousmane Dembele started for PSG after being rested in Ligue 1 and controversially withdrawn against Arsenal. France winger has never been a deadly finisher and missed two big chances in the first half.
Lee Kang-in, PSG’s favorite attacker over Randal Kolo Muani, forced Walter Benitez to save first. Dembele was unmarked at the back post to receive a left-wing cross in the 19th minute, but his half-volley hit the bar.
On the half-hour mark, Dembele was sent in by a superb Joao Neves pass off the chest but shot over the bar. PSV took the lead on 34 minutes after minimal offense. An Olivier Boscagli interception exposed the home team, and Ismael Saibari fed Lang, who struck low from the edge.
