Champions League – Dortmund’s cheat sheet – PSG (1-0): More than a problem of efficiency

There was the start full of panache and intensity from Dortmund, who initially pressed loud and clear. The usual PSG control phases, too. And above all, a very big Parisian highlight at the start of the second half. In short, several matches in the match on the BVB pitch but one constant: the Germans rarely panicked.

Whatever the aspect of the meeting, the locals brought the required intensity into the duels and very often went to the end of their actions. Marcel Sabitzer quickly warned, Niclas Füllkrug punished brilliantly (1-0, 36th). At that time, Edin Terzic’s team had already placed its block much lower and continued to defend its goal with serenity, with the exception of these ten minutes of suffering after returning from the locker room.

Dortmund also took advantage of Parisian pressing that was far from perfect, particularly in the first half, so as not to feel suffocated for 90 minutes, nor constantly chasing the ball (“only” 54% possession for Paris). For, on arrival, a contested meeting at an often leisurely pace. A rarity since the start of the quarter-finals.

The Parisian full-backs were clearly beaten in their duels with their opposite sides. It was increasingly difficult for Nuno Mendes against Jadon Sancho who we saw at a very good level. It was immediately obvious for Achraf Hakimi, overtaken by the twirling Karim Adeyemi, who even won several defensive duels against the Moroccan.

Vitinha was the only Parisian to survive, always showing himself calm under pressure and fair in his choices. Quite the opposite of Fabian Ruiz, who stands out in this middle trio. Kylian Mbappé almost didn’t exist except for his big opportunity after returning from the locker room.

We play the 51st minute of play, at the heart of the big Parisian highlight of this meeting. Left far too alone, Kylian Mbappé opens his right foot to curl a shot which crashes into Gregor Kobel’s left post. The action continues and in the process, Hakimi hits the Swiss goalkeeper’s other post. The 9th and 10th amounts touched by PSG in 11 Champions League matches this season. The highest total of the competition.

Paris has experienced difficult trips this season in the Champions League, from Newcastle to Milan via Dortmund, twice. But Paris’s difficulties away from home in C1 are not new: PSG conceded at least one goal in a 19th consecutive Champions League match away from its bases.

The lack of efficiency obviously weighed heavily, upon arrival, on the final result this Wednesday. But if we understand why Marquinhos or Achraf Hakimi partly took refuge behind this argument in their post-match analysis, it would be far too easy – although reassuring – to summarize PSG’s shortcomings with its problems in front of goal.

Yes, Paris had several very clear chances, and hit the amounts twice. But no one saw a one-sided match at Signal Iduna Park. Dortmund tried almost as many times (12 shots against 14), put more shots on target (4 against 3) and made the Parisian defense have some bad times. Particularly in the 36th minute of play, when Füllkrug opened the scoring in a sequence that was nevertheless studied “the whole week” by PSG, according to Marquinhos. It’s a stain.

A collective error in the alignment, coupled with flaws in the pressing, which hurt Paris during this meeting: how could Mats Hummels, among others, have been left so alone? We will also note certain individual failures. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes displayed worrying defensive levels, Fabian Ruiz should not be able to chain starts at this level with so much tranquility, Lucas Beraldo could have cost a goal after his entry and Kylian Mbappé is starting to multiply the encounters crossed like a ghost. Not to mention a Randal Kolo Muani in severe lack of confidence who is entitled to his entries into play, when the efficient Gonçalo Ramos is chomping at the bit on the bench.

And then there are the constants. Paris concedes away goals, again and again. PSG is struggling to convince in its first legs, too, after a very difficult first hour against Real Sociedad in the round of 16, after a home defeat against Barça in the quarterfinals. For the second time in a row, Luis Enrique’s men have their backs to the wall. For the first time since its elimination against Bayern in the round of 16 last season, Paris did not score in a C1 match. And yet, it will take more than work in front of goal to reverse a situation which is not alarming, but obviously not comfortable.