Postolachi’s late stike helps PSG beat Atletico
Ligue 1 champion Paris Saint German (PSG) on Monday survived Atletico Madrid's late revival to win 32 in a thrilling International Champions Cup match, a friendly pre-season football tournament here.
Atletico’s young players redeemed the lack of marksmanship by first-team forwards Kevin Gameiro of France and Luciano Vietto of Argentina, as the Rojiblancos drew level at 2-2 only to concede a last gasp goal.
PSG’s French midfielder Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, punishing the Atletico’s defence for failing to clear the ball from the area.
The Spanish team squandered chances to draw level before the intermission and again in the early stages of the second half, which came with a price.
Vietto missed a great chance shortly before the break, when he had the goal at his mercy, but PSG defender Kevin Rimane’s leg blocked his shot.
The Parisian side doubled their lead in the 72nd minute thanks to French midfielder Moussa Diaby, who scored after PSG’s young forward Timothy Weah of the United States took advantage of an imprecise pass from a defender.
Three minutes later, Atletico Madrid scored their first goal as Victor Mollejo converted from a corner.
The Rojiblancos’ rally seemed complete when PSG midfielder Antoine Bernede scored an own goal, deflecting a cross from Atletico forward Borja Garces into the net in the 86th minute.
Just when it looked like the match was on its way to a penalty shootout, PSG’s Virgiliu Postolachi scored from outside the area three minutes into stoppage time to seal the win.