UEFA Champions League
Angel Di Maria Rescues A Point For PSG
A superb strike from Angel Di Maria in injury time helped PSG deny Napoli a famous win at the Parc des Princes.
Napoli twice led thanks to goals from Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens.
An own goal from Mario Rui had put PSG level on the hour mark but they looked to be heading towards another Champions League defeat when Mertens scored with just 14 minutes left.
However, Di Maria’s stunning curling shot helped rescue a point.
The result still leaves PSG in third place in Group C a point behind Napoli.
PSG had started the brighter and almost took the lead after just 17 minutes. Neymar strode forward and played a through ball to Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman laid the ball off to Edinson Cavani but his shot was easily saved by David Ospina.
Napoli struggled to create any chances early on but came close to opening the scoring after 23 minutes.
A great cross into the box by Mario Rui found Dries Mertens inside the box. He hit a first time shot from around six yards out but was denied by the crossbar.
Five minutes later Napoli took the lead. A brillant through pass from Jose Callejon found Insigne who got in behind the PSG defense.
He brilliantly dinked the ball over the advancing Alphonse Areola in the PSG goal.
PSG’s best chance of the first half fell to Kylian Mbappe. A great run by Neymar saw him skip past Marek Hamsik. He played a through pass to Mbappe but the Frenchman’s shot from just outside the box was hit straight at Ospina.
Di Maria Rescues A Point For PSG
PSG were better in the second half and played with more intensity. On the hour mark they got their deserved equaliser even though it involved a fair slice of luck.
Mbappe picked out Thomas Meunier out wide, his cross into the penalty area was a poor one. However, it deflected off Napoli defender Mario Rui and looped over Ospina in the Napoli goal and into the net.
The Parisians were starting to look like the better side but weren’t creating any clear cut chances.
With just 14 minutes to go the Parc des Princes was stunned into silence once more.
A hopeful shot from Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz deflected off PSG defender Marquinhos. The ball rebounded kindly to Dries Mertens who was able to calmly slide the ball into the net.
PSG pushed for an equalizer which didn’t look likely until Angel Di Maria popped up with a moment of magic.
The Argentine picked the ball up just outside the penalty area. He then curled a brilliant left foot shot past Ospina and into the top right hand corner of the net.
It could turn out to be a precious point and keep PSG’s Champions League hopes alive.
Napoli Coming Of Age Under Ancelotti
Despite conceding late on, it has been an impressive European campaign so far for Napoli.
Having defeated Liverpool at home and outplaying them at times, they showed that renewed confidence in Paris.
They kept possession well in particular in the first half and the movement of their front four caused all sorts of problems for PSG’s defense.
Last season the Partenopei Gil Azzurri had a poor campaign in the Champions League, failing to reach the knockout stages.
However, this point gives them a great chance of advancing this time around.
It does look like they have learned from last season and with the experienced Carlo Ancelotti in charge, they are becoming more street wise in Europe.
If they do get out of the group, they are a team that nobody will want to face in the knockout stages, in particular at the intimidating Stadio San Paolo.
They still have a lot of work to do but will fancy their chances at home against PSG in a few weeks time.
Ligue 1 Hurting PSG In Europe
PSG have breezed through Ligue 1 so far this season, winning a record 10 games out of 10.
However, just like against Liverpool, once they face a better level of opposition they struggle.
They were poor in the first half and didn’t create many chances. Even though, they got better in the second, they still needed an injury time goal to rescue a point.
There is no doubt that playing in Ligue 1 is hurting their chances in Europe.
At times in Ligue 1, PSG can win in second or third gear. In the Champions League you have to up your level or you will get found out.
It seems hard for them to step up their performance against better opposition.
Recently Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord agreed to share 10% of their Champions League and Europa League revenue to the rest of the clubs in the Eredivisie.
If PSG are to finally win the trophy they want the most, they should be thinking of doing something similar to help improve the overall quality of Ligue 1.
Failing to do so could well cost PSG the chance of European glory.
Next up for the Parisians is Le Classique against Marseille at the Orange Velodrome.
For Napoli they face Roma at home on Sunday night.
Photo credit to Paris Saint-Germain via Twitter
