Paris Saint-Germain finally demonstrated its capacity to excel in the UEFA Champions League without superstar Kylian Mbappé, staging an impressive comeback from 2-0 down to secure a 4-2 victory over Manchester City.
The decisive match, held during the group stage, allowed PSG to break free from the elimination zone within the tournament's newly structured format, simultaneously putting City at risk of early elimination. PSG now finds itself needing just a draw against Stuttgart to progress to the knockout rounds.
PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed pride over his team’s performance, stating, "I feel pride this evening, against such a team, against such a manager, against such good players." This triumph was characterized by the collective effort of the squad, with different scorers showcasing the depth of talent available to Enrique.
Bradley Barcola, the 22-year-old winger, proved instrumental, netting one goal and providing an assist to France teammate Ousmane Dembélé. The comeback was rounded off with goals from Joao Neves and Gonçalo Ramos, who scored during stoppage time.
Enrique emphasized the importance of teamwork prior to the match, urging his players to collaborate effectively instead of relying heavily on individual talents like Mbappé, who had previously contributed to the team's scoring with impressive statistics, including 44 goals last season.
City initially appeared poised for victory after taking a 2-0 lead. After 53 minutes, it seemed the match might slip away from PSG, yet they responded with vigor. By the hour mark, they leveled the score, thanks to Barcola's electrifying performance on the left flank.
Barcola's agility allowed him to navigate around opposing defenders, setting up Dembélé for PSG's first goal before equalizing himself, squeezing his shot past the post after Dembélé's initial attempt hit the frame of the goal.
Joao Neves brought PSG ahead with his clinching header from a free kick taken by Dembélé, marking his growing influence on the squad at just 20 years old. The game saw Dembélé also hit the crossbar and PSG have two other goals disallowed for offside, demonstrating the consistency of their attacking play.
Reflecting on the match, Enrique remarked, "This team has a lot of things going for it. This match will strengthen my players... They won't ever give up, even when they’re two goals down." His emphasis on character reflects the changing ethos at PSG, which has moved away from the Galacticos approach of relying on superstar talent alone.
Conversely, Pep Guardiola acknowledged PSG's superior performance, stating, "We have to accept it... I give credit to PSG. When one team is doing well, I have no problem to accept it." His acknowledgment of being outplayed highlighted the dynamic shifts within the competitive atmosphere of the Champions League.
The victory not only solidified PSG's standing but also rejuvenated hopes among players and fans, showcasing the potential of this young and ambitious group. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi noted the team's resilience and remarked, "A lot of players doubted our team, but I always had confidence in them," emphasizing his belief in the squad's capabilities post-Mbappé. Al-Khelaifi also praised Enrique's impact, calling him the best coach in the world.
This unexpected victory without their leading scorer suggests hopeful possibilities for PSG, proving they could thrive under pressure collaboratively instead of hinging on individual brilliance. Moving forward, they will aim to maintain this momentum and secure their advancement against Stuttgart, showcasing their depth and unity once more.