Despite high expectations and tremendous support from fans, PSG could not go further than the 1-1 draw with Club Bruges, in the first match of the Champions League this season.
Leo Messi's long-awaited debut in the Champions League turned out to be a frustrating experience, as the dream trio of Neymar, Mbappe and Leo failed to find the right chemistry between them. During the game Messi hit the crossbar, but failed to have the impact expected of him on the field during the 90 minutes. It was in fact Ander Herrera who gave the Parisians the lead after a very good play by Kylian Mbappe from the left wing.
After the equalizer from Club Bruges, Messi was penetrating more easily into the opposing defense, taking advantage of the fatigue of the Belgians, but nothing was enough to go home with 3 points. The former Barcelona star was also punished with a yellow card. But what went wrong?
Coach Mauricio Pochettino gave his explanation:
"We need time for them (the players) to understand each other. This is a clear thing that we have mentioned several times over the last few days. We still need to create a team. ”
20 minutes from the end of the match, the Argentine star showed for the first time his dangerousness, as he tested the opposing goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with a blow with his left. Anyway, the first goal with the PSG jersey still has to wait. Ironically, Messi wears the number 30 jersey with the French. The same number the attacker inherited from --Frank Rijkaard, in his debut with Barcelona in 2004. In that match, the Spaniards lost 2-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk, but had managed to qualify before this challenge.
PSG fans have not yet seen their superstar perform at the Parc des Princes, but perhaps the home field will be what will bring luck to the 34-year-old, and consequently to the club.
