Benfica – PSG: Paris concedes a draw despite a superb goal from Lionel Messi and drops its first points

PSG will not sign a faultless this season in the Champions League. Christophe Galtier’s men could only bring back a draw from their trip to Benfica Lisbon, when there was room to win after a much better controlled second half (1-1). Heckled before the break, the Parisians had found the net thanks to Lionel Messi, but poor Danilo Pereira put the Portuguese back in the game with an own goal. On arrival, nothing is yet done in this group H of the Champions League, where the first place should be played next week, at the Parc des Princes.

It was hot. In this unexpected clash between two teams which have not yet given up much this season, the Parisians could have won. But they could also have lost. Because it is an understatement to say that Benfica came into this meeting much better, exerting high pressure which hampered the capital club for several minutes. Cut in two, the Parisian team conceded clear chances, relying on the exploits of Gianluigi Donnarumma not to sink (8th, 14th, 18th). The Italian goalkeeper was impeccable on Wednesday evening, and no one can blame him.

Messi’s jewel

Catastrophic at the start, PSG still had the good idea to shower an entire stadium on the first inspiration of their magic trio. After an almost one-touch combination, Neymar launched Lionel Messi for an unstoppable curling shot (0-1, 22nd). This open score had the desired effect: Benfica took a big hit on the head and was much less enterprising afterwards.

Christophe Galtier’s players took the opportunity to gradually increase their mastery, despite a new save from Donnarumma against Antonio Silva (37th). The last bastion of PSG was finally betrayed by Danilo Pereira, who touched an excellent cross from Enzo Fernandez to bring the two teams back to level just before the break (1-1, 42nd).

Vlachodimos frustrated Paris

It was then believed that Benfica had returned to the game at the best time, just before entering the locker room. But the Parisians returned to the field with a state of mind much more in line with their ambitions. Higher up, finally at ease in the midfield, PSG created frank situations, and it was the turn of Odysséas Vlachodimos to take out the warm-up blue.

The Lisbon goalkeeper made decisive saves (49th, 55th, 61st, 69th) to respond to Donnarumma from a distance. He was also successful when Neymar found the bar on a very inspired scissor (49th). In addition to falling on a wall, the Parisian attackers were sometimes approximate, like a clumsy Kylian Mbappé and a very nervous Neymar. Messi, he showed himself to his advantage and, paradoxically, he is the only one of the three to have been replaced.

Benfica will have very little existed during the second act, even though Donnarumma had a final stop to come out against Rafa Silva (81st). It would not have been a hold-up in view of the overall physiognomy of the match, and we will therefore have to wait to know a little more about the fate of this group H. We will be able to see the glass half empty, by saying that PSG signs a second draw this season, while a success was not far away. We can just as easily see it half full, since the capital club will have the advantage of receiving next week for the revenge. And another shock that promises to be even hotter.