Kylian Mbappe’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain has left a significant void in the team’s attack, particularly in the Champions League. Despite a strong start to the Ligue 1 season, PSG have struggled in Europe, with just four points from three games.
The French giants’ struggles were evident in their 1-0 victory over Girona, where they managed 26 attempts but only scored thanks to a late own-goal. A 2-0 defeat at Arsenal followed, exposing PSG’s lack of attacking prowess. In their most recent Champions League outing, they drew 1-1 with PSV Eindhoven, again failing to convert their chances despite 26 attempts.
PSG’s poor finishing has been a recurring issue, dating back to last season’s Champions League semi-finals, where they failed to score against Borussia Dortmund despite 45 attempts. This season, they have scored just two goals from 62 attempts in Europe.
The absence of a reliable center-forward has been a major factor in PSG’s attacking woes. Goncalo Ramos, who was expected to fill the void left by Mbappe, suffered an ankle injury early in the season and is yet to return. Randal Kolo Muani, signed for a hefty 90 million euros, has failed to impress and has been an unused substitute in the last two games.
Despite their struggles in the Champions League, PSG remain dominant in Ligue 1, sitting six points clear at the top of the table. However, their European ambitions are in jeopardy, and they face a crucial clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Atletico, known for their strong defense, will pose a significant challenge for PSG. The French side will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to secure a positive result and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
