Benfica’s cheat sheet – PSG: Not so bad – Eurosport FR

The game: Half-time control We expected a PSG in difficulty against the collective quality of Benfica. He was good for a good part of the first period, despite a good twenty minutes after Leo Messi’s opener. In difficulty to get the ball out, guilty of technical inaccuracies, Paris seemed to be at the mercy of a much more coherent Lisbon formation in the grid of the field. But he was transformed at the break. Positioned higher, better coordinated in its pressing, much more conquering in the duels, the formation of Christophe Galtier displayed a mastery which called for a victory. Only his lack of realism and an inspired Odysseas Vlachodimos in the Portuguese goal prevented this outcome. worried on the European scene. But Gianluigi Donnarumma was imperial in Lisbon, both when Paris was suffering in the first period and on the rare occasions of Benfica in the second. Leo Messi was PSG’s other strongman. Beyond the goal, the Argentinian was at the origin of the best Parisian situations. He was much more prominent than Neymar and especially Kylian Mbappé, without inspiration and without success. At Benfica, Rafa Silva confirmed his potential with his accuracy of play and his great technical quality. Above all, the Lisbon club had its guardian angel…Gianluigi Donnarumma and his incredible save against David NeresCredit: Getty ImagesThe X factor: The class of OdysseasLike PSG, Benfica was able to count on a doorman on a good evening. Odysseas Vlachodimos pulled off essential saves to prevent defeat for the Portuguese. Decisive ahead of Achraf Hakimi, twice, and Kylian Mbappé, the Lisbon goalkeeper also had the chance to see his bar save him on an acrobatic return from Neymar. Without him, the Eagles probably wouldn’t have scored a point for the Parisians. The stat: 40 He hadn’t scored a goal in two matches against Benfica, when he was playing for FC Barcelona. It only took him one with PSG to find the nets, and with the way. A goal stamped Messi which allows him to add a new record to his record. He has now scored against 40 different opponents in the Champions League. No one has done so well in the history of the competition. The statement: Marco Verratti (PSG midfielder) When you can’t win, you must not lose The question: Is it a worrying draw? is always tricky to judge this PSG. Even this result. A draw at La Luz isn’t exactly a bad point, but Paris are keen to fight against formations of a higher caliber. And from this perspective, it is indeed a victory that was expected in Portugal to give credit to Parisian ambitions. That Paris did not obtain it can legitimately be considered a failure for the training of Christophe Galtier. Even if this point for the co-leader of his group is a small step closer to the round of 16. The way is a bit like the result. PSG is still looking for the consistency in the game that it has been lacking since the start of this Champions League. He is still unable to manage his weak times well and gives off a still worrying lack of defensive reliability. On the other hand, he showed progress in the middle, especially in his control after the break, and keeps this ability to make the difference at any time thanks to the genius of his attackers. This draw is not enough . Above all, it indicates that PSG’s room for improvement remains significant on a collective level. But Paris was clearly in danger against a team that has proven its competitiveness since the start of the season if not a real cador of Europe. He doesn’t really grow up from this trip to Lisbon. But this point remains a small step forward. Champions LeaguePSG notes: Messi’s symphony, Donnarumma’s saves9 HOURS AGOChampions LeagueFirst points dropped for Paris10 HOURS AGO