Mbappé saves PSG which will play its qualification in Dortmund

Dominating is not winning. Perfect example with this PSG-Newcastle, Tuesday, at the Parc des Princes. And again, it could have been worse for Luis Enrique’s men, trailing for a long time after this goal from Alexander Isak in the first period and who waited for a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé in stoppage time to breathe. At the end of the suspense… A penalty which changes a lot of things with a view to a possible accession to the 8th of the Champions League… Paris shot 31 times. Long sterile domination. At the same time, Dortmund, qualified, won in Milan (1-3).

Paris played to scare itself (very)

Pushed by a burning stadium, PSG wasted no time in settling into the English half, with this strike from Ruiz (4th) and especially this backheel from Mbappé (9th). The stifling Parisian pressure decreased a little in intensity after the first quarter of an hour, offering a few opportunities to Newcastle, including one which should have ended at the bottom with Isak alone at six meters (12th). Above for the Swede. It wouldn’t take long for him to catch up. Taking advantage of a surprising lack of aggressiveness from several Parisians, Livramento wandered around the edge of the area to find Almiron, who sent a seemingly innocuous strike towards Donnarumma. A priori only. The Italian doorman was unable to pick up. Gift for Isak (0-1, 24th). Aggressive and diligent if not brilliant, the Magpies contained their hosts well, trembling only moderately on two attempts from “Dembouz” (23rd, 32nd). Paris powerless. A long shot from Ruiz (43rd), a blocked shot from Dembélé (45+2) and we left it there at half-time (0-1 MT).

No change at the start, except to swap Lee and Ruiz on the field. Change of attitude then? Neither. Sterile domination of the Parisians, at least until this through ball from Lee, deflected by Kolo Muani, with Dembélé who came up against Pope, XXL. The ball was still alive and Mbappé missed his return (55th). Frustration was growing in the Parisian ranks, like this ball cleared in the stands by Dembélé, stupidly warned (58th). Having come into play a few minutes earlier, Barcola gave the Parc a thrill (66th, 67th)… which really needed it.

Mbappé, nerves of steel

The former Lyonnais did good. The spark that was missing. With success, it would have been better… Still this frustration, with penalties demanded but not obtained. Only boxes for protest. Still, Paris was pushing. Newcastle folded… but did not break. Time was on the side of the English. The Parc des Princes was losing its voice, fear creeping into the stands. A man to torture the Parisian people: Pope, the impassable English goalkeeper, who intervened in front of Mbappé (88th) for the first time before seeing his second shot lick his post. It was his evening. The Newcastle players were playing for time. They saw Szymon Marciniak turn the match around with this English hand sanctioned and this penalty awarded. Generous ? Perhaps more than the one that Hakimi was denied. Mbappé did not procrastinate (1-1, 90+7). It took nerves of steel not to flinch at that moment, facing an overexcited Pope all evening. He didn’t break down. The penalty of hope (1-1).

PSG remains master of its destiny

Without this penalty, a potential success in Dortmund on December 13 might not have been enough for the Parisians to reach the round of 16 of the Champions League. With this penalty, PSG is second in the standings of Group F with seven points, behind Dortmund (10 pts) but ahead of Newcastle (5 pts) and Milan (5 pts). Clearly, Kylian Mbappé and his comrades are guaranteed to finish at the top of the group by winning in Germany. If Newcastle wins against Milan, they are forced to win at Dortmund to progress. A draw would not be enough. In the event of a victory for Milan, a Parisian draw would be enough to move on to the specific goal difference. Finally, in the event of a draw between Newcastle and Milan, Paris would qualify… even if they lose on the Westfalenstadion pitch. The data is clear.