MUNICH, Germany, Nov 27, 2024 (BSS/AFP) – Despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos dismissed the notion that their Champions League journey is over. The defeat dropped PSG to 26th in the 36-team table, where they lurk outside the qualifying places for the knockout rounds. Nevertheless, Ramos is convinced that her ambitions still exist.
The top eight clubs secure an automatic place in the round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th have to play an additional knockout round. “We fear nothing and our confidence in reaching the next round remains unshakable,” said Ramos, who made a comeback as a substitute in this game after an injury.
After the game, Ramos reflected on the team’s disappointment: “There’s nothing we can do today, but we have to stay focused on the next game. We can still make it to the next round and that’s our goal, as we continue to push forward. It’s not the end of the Champions League for us!”
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The defeat was decisive; PSG conceded a goal when goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, starting in place of Gianluigi Donnarumma, failed to clear a corner, allowing Kim Min-jae to head in the lead for Bayern. The situation worsened for PSG when Ousmane Dembélé received a second yellow card for a reckless foul on Bayern’s Alphonso Davies and the visitors were down to ten men with over half an hour to play.
Ramos remained optimistic, stating: “We have three crucial games ahead of us and we are ready to work tirelessly to secure the victories that will take us to the next phase.” The Parisians must prepare for the visit of Premier League champions Manchester City, who are also looking to shake off their recent woes, as well as further difficult away games against Red Bull Salzburg and Stuttgart.
Midfielder Joao Neves expressed his belief that the team is on the right track. “The most important thing is that we play our football game because we know that is the best approach to navigate this phase. We will maintain our unity and support each other; no one will point fingers at others,” he reiterated and demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
