Challenger Vs. Challenger- Two Of The Best Go Head To Head

 OUR 4 TALKING POINTS AS PSG BEAT CITY 2-0

-Mihir Mehta

-Editor: Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: uefa.com

Manchester City rolled up to the Parc Des Princes ready to repeat what they did in last year’s semi-final, but fell 2-0 to PSG’s expensively assembled squad. Idrissa Gana Gueye was an unlikely source of the opener, before Leo Messi wrapped things up with a left-footed curler to score his first goal in Paris colours, after playing a one-two with Kylian Mbappe, a goal reminiscent of his time at Barca.

1.     1. Preview of what is to come? Lionel Messi finally got off the mark for PSG as the MNM trio took the field together for only the second time. Messi’s start to life in France wasn’t the best, with no goal contributions up to this point, albeit hitting the woodwork several times. This match changed that. Though patchy at times, MNM looked comfortable with each other, and showed real chemistry. They tormented the City backline with their fluid movement, flair and speed. Considering this is only their second game together, the rest of Europe will only be able to watch in fear, once MNM get their chemistry going.

2.     2. Abu Derby: This was an encounter between the two most valuable squads in the world, with PSG and City having a combined value of nearly 2 billion euros. The match termed as the “Abu Derby” or “Oil Classico” by many, did not disappoint. With the quick pace of football and the struggle between the two best teams in Europe, the game lived up to its billing. One team had to come out on top and it was PSG with its high-profile new signings that made the cut.

3.     3. Miss of the season? Man City had one of the best chances to level the scores in the 26th minute with an open net, two yards out and a fallen keeper. Bernardo Silva only had to nudge it into the goal and the deed would be done. Alas, the story plays out quite differently. The ball came off of the post and the rest is a horror story. An early equalizer would have changed the game completely, swinging the momentum in City’s favour, and we would probably be seeing a different outcome if Silva had managed to score.

4.     4. Midfield Brilliance: In a team comprising of Leo Messi and Neymar, it would take some player to even be in with a shout of being the best on the ball. Marco Verratti has gone further, and put forward his claim to that title against City. The Italian was imperious in midfield, and his press resistance is something to wonder at. Often, it seemed as though the ball was stuck to his feet. It takes a complete team to beat this City side, and, as high as the hype for MNM was, it was PSG’s midfield and defence who delivered them this win, and it was Marco Verratti who was the best player on the pitch. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SEASON REVIEW: FC BARCELONA 2021/22

Image
  BARCELONA’S 21/22 SEASON: A SEASON OF TWO HALVES - Mitansh Kagalwala FC Barcelona’s 21/22 season was supposed to start on a promising note. New signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia had all joined on free transfers, and thus, despite Barca’s heavy financial problems, the squad looked in overall better shape. The promised return of Ansu Fati, the rise of youngsters Gavi, Nico and Pedri, and the upturn in form towards the second half of the previous season all pointed to a resurgence. This was going to be Barca's season of comeback. And, of course, Barca still had Leo Messi. What more did they need? Then, on August 5 th , 2021, president Joan Laporta announced that, for the first time in his glittering career, Lionel Messi would don a jersey other than the claret-and-blue. La Liga’s heavy financial regulations meant that Barca could no longer afford to pay Messi’s wages, and the Argentine was forced into a tearful exit to PSG. Even then, despite ridding themse...
Read more

Leaving It Late: Barca 3-1 Villareal

Image
  THINGS WE LEARNT FROM BARCA'S 3-1 WIN OVER VILLAREAL -Mitansh Kagalwala Photo Via: barcauniversal.com Barcelona travelled to the Estadio De La Ceramica to take on Villareal in Xavi's third match as manager of the club, looking to continue their fine form. The game was won in the second half, with Barca netting thrice against the Yellow Submarine to capture all three points. Goals from Frenkie De Jong and Memphis Depay either side of an equalizer, followed by a Philippe Coutinho penalty ensured Barca's first win away from home. Here's what we made of it:  1. FRENKIE'S BACK: Frenkie De Jong, long touted to be Barca's marquee midfielder, has endured a torrid last few weeks, with several lackluster performances. However, he put his doubters to rest with an excellent performance against Villareal. He was assured on the ball, and his attacking play was excellent. He should have had two assists in the first half, but Memphis Depay squandered the two chances. Three mi...
Read more

3️⃣ TALKING POINTS AS BARCA BEAT ATLETICO MADRID IN THRILLER

Image
  TALKING POINTS FROM BARCA 4-2 ATLETICO - Mitansh Kagalwala Photo Via: www.barcauniversal.com Barca took on Atleti at home in a pulsating encounter, eventually emerging 4-2 victors after a determined performance. Yannick Carrasco gave Atleti the lead with a superb shot past Ter Stegen, before Alba equalized just moments later with a ridiculous volley from the edge of the box. Excellent work from new signing Adama Traore down the wing allowed Gavi to head Barca into the lead, before Araujo and Dani Alves volleyed in for Barca either side of half time. In the second half though, Atleti piled on the pressure, resulting in Luis Suarez pulling a goal back for the Los Rojiblancos on his return to Barca territory, before Dani Alves was sent off, reducing Barca to 10-men. Barca held out, however, meaning they leapfrog the Madrid side into a Champions League spot. This is what we made of it: 1.      Barca’s New Signings: Fans of the Blaugrana were hopeful for this gam...
Read more