Paris (25th) like City (22nd) are in an unfortunate position in the standings and risk elimination in the event of defeat during this penultimate day of the League phase, while only the first 24 will qualify.
On the verge of an infamous elimination in the Champions League, Paris SG hosts Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes (9 p.m.) for a prestigious and capital duel. During the draw, coach Luis Enrique and his troops undoubtedly looked at this penultimate match in the league phase, before the trip to Stuttgart seven days later, as a great poster for jockeying for the top.
But since then, both Paris and City have experienced the worst difficulties in assuming their status. The first is in first qualifying place, 25th out of 36 (seven points), after having burned cartridges against PSV Eindhoven (1-1) and Atlético Madrid (2-1 defeat at the Parc).
20 goals in 4 games for City
As for Manchester City, Guardiola’s well-oiled machine has stalled, with a fifth place in the Premier League and a 22nd place in the Champions League. The “Citizens” took a loss against Sporting Portugal (4-1), wasted a three-goal lead against Feyenoord at home (3-3) and were defeated by Juventus (2-0).
MAXPPP – John Walton
But they have raised the bar since the start of the year with 20 goals in four matches, including a festival against Ipswich (6-0) in the championship.
Same playing philosophy
“It’s a special match, I don’t think anyone could have predicted that City would have eight points and us seven but it’s the new competition format.”estimated Luis Enrique on Tuesday. A unique match also for the two Spanish coaches, who played together in Barcelona and share a playing philosophy, confided the Parisian coach: “It’s a great joy to have Pep back […]. What brings us together is our playing philosophy, to be better than the opponent with the ball, to continually press the opponent. We’re going to see a great football match.”
-EPA – ANNA SZILAGYI
Dembelé and Barcola as saviors?
“I would like to play the Champions League in February”underlined French international Ousmane Dembélé in reference to the round-trip barrage if PSG gets out of the rut. Paris has reassured itself by collecting results in recent weeks (victory in Salzburg 3-0, qualification for the quarter-final of the Coupe de France, victories in the championship). But the manner continues to sow doubt about the real level of the team.
Rookie Kvaratskhelia not qualified
Luis Enrique, who persists and signs without a professional center forward at kick-offs, will count on the rediscovered form of wingers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola. Dembélé scored in the last four matches he played before catching a virus which required him to rest.
Lille beaten at Liverpool, Monaco winner of Aston Villa
Beaten 2-1 on Tuesday at Liverpool, Lille is out of the Top 8 but is guaranteed to compete in at least the play-offs for the round of 16 of the Champions League, before receiving Feyenoord on the last day of the league phase.
Reduced to 10 (58th), Losc, which had been undefeated for 21 matches in all competitions, gave in with honors against the best team in Europe currently, already qualified in the eighth. After the opening score for the Reds from the inevitable Mohamed Salah (34th), Jonathan David equalized (62nd), but Harvey Elliott gave the English victory with a blocked shot (67th).
Singo the savior
AS Monaco continued its superb run by dominating Aston Villa 1-0 at home and ensuring at least the play-offs for the round of 16. Wilfried Singo scored the only goal of the match in the 8th minute, heading a ball poorly cleared by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Monegasques have 13 points after seven of the eight days of the League phase, which should secure them a place among the 24 qualified.
Barcola, for its part, ended a drought of 12 matches without scoring against Espaly then Lens. To resolve its offensive timidity in C1 (six goals in six matches), PSG will not be able to field its recruit, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, made official on Friday, under UEFA rules.
