PSG missed their chance once again. Despite clear dominance and numerous opportunities, Paris were held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle at the Parc des Princes, a result that is not enough to keep them in the top eight. Hurt by the other results of the evening, the Parisians finish outside the direct qualifying places and will, as last season, have to go through the playoffs.
Everything had started perfectly for Luis Enrique’s men. In the opening minutes, Paris won a penalty after a handball, but Dembélé saw his effort saved by Nick Pope. PSG kept up the pressure and were soon rewarded: well supplied after a team move initiated by Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha beat the English goalkeeper with a precise strike to open the scoring.
A Dominant Paris Side Punished by a Lack of Efficiency
In control of the ball and clearly superior technically, the Parisians then created chance after chance. Dembélé, Barcola and Kvaratskhelia all had opportunities, but none managed to double the lead. This lack of finishing proved costly: just before the break, Newcastle took advantage of a set piece to equalize through Willock’s header.
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After the restart, the match changed in character. More disjointed and more open, it offered more space to the English side, who were very dangerous on the counter. Safonov had to intervene several times, notably against Gordon and Barnes, while Marquinhos saved PSG with a decisive tackle inside his own box.
Paris still continued to create chances. Dembélé narrowly missed the target, Barcola wasted a huge opportunity after a brilliant solo run, and Vitinha tried his luck from distance. But between inaccuracy and haste, the winning goal never came. As the standings shifted unfavorably, PSG dropped out of the top eight at the end of the night and saw their direct qualification for the round of 16 slip away, forced once again into a risky detour via the playoffs.
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