PSG hope for happier start
Paris – Real Madrid’s visit to the French capital today means a glamour tie for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to begin their Champions League campaign but a meeting with the Spanish side also brings back unhappy memories.
When the clubs last met in Europe two seasons ago, PSG, missing an injured Neymar (above), were dumped out in the last-16.
That was one of three consecutive exits in the first knockout round for PSG, who have failed to make their mark on the Champions League despite all the money spent by their Qatari owners.
So the inevitable question at the start of another continental campaign is, can Thomas Tuchel’s team at least reach a semifinal in Europe’s elite club competition?
Last season it was Manchester United who embarrassed PSG. Since 2012 the only teams PSG have beaten in a Champions League knockout tie are Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea.
For now, PSG will be eager to make a statement in their opening match. But with Galatasaray and Club Brugge the other teams in Group A, it would be a monumental surprise if PSG failed to progress, even with Neymar suspended for the first three matches.
He has overshadowed everything else at the club in recent months, with the saga of his hoped-for move back to Barcelona and then his return to action last weekend featuring a brilliant winner in response to boos from angry supporters.
“I am very pleased because now it is finished,” said coach Thomas Tuchel of the transfer saga.
Tuchel wanted Neymar to stay. Last Saturday’s goal – his 52nd in 59 games for the club – illustrated why.
“My head is 100% focused on PSG. I will give everything, as I have at every club I have played for,” said Neymar.
“Unfortunately in the last two years I have had serious injuries and I have missed a lot of matches. But when I have played I have performed, and I think my statistics have been among the best of my career.”
His presence gives PSG a far greater chance of winning the biggest prize in European club football, as long as he stays fit.
Kylian Mbappe is still out with a hamstring injury, but the arrival of Mauro Icardi has added an explosive element to their attack.
Icardi was prolific for Inter before being stripped of the club captaincy last season amid a contract dispute. He signed on loan just before the transfer deadline.