PSG’s Champions League Woes Continue with Draw Against PSV
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League woes continued on Tuesday as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by PSV Eindhoven at the Parc des Princes. The result leaves the French giants with just four points from their first three matches in the competition, raising concerns about their prospects of progressing to the knockout stages.
PSV took a shock lead through Noa Lang’s strike just after the half-hour mark, but Achraf Hakimi equalized for PSG early in the second half. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, PSG failed to find a winning goal, with their profligacy in front of goal proving costly once again.
Coach Luis Enrique expressed his frustration after the match, admitting that he was “worried” about his team’s performance. “We played well throughout and were better than PSV,” he said. “But it is difficult to accept the result after a game like that.”
PSG’s frustration was compounded when they were awarded a penalty in injury time only for the decision to be overturned on review. The French giants had 26 attempts on goal to their opponents’ eight, but their inability to convert their chances has become a recurring problem in Europe.
“I think it is obvious that we created a lot more chances than our opponents and we deserved to win the game,” Enrique added.
After a narrow 1-0 victory against Girona and a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal in their first two matches in the new-look format of the competition, PSG have a tough task ahead of them. They face Atletico Madrid at home next followed by Bayern Munich away, suggesting things will not get any easier.
“It is the worst group (fixtures) and we need to be prepared to improve what we can and keep going,” Enrique said. “But yes, it is difficult and of course I am worried.”
PSV, meanwhile, are still winless in the Champions League this season, having previously lost away to Juventus before drawing with Sporting. The Dutch champions showed great resilience against PSG, but their lack of experience at this level was evident at times.
“The players did a great job tonight and I am really proud of them to be leaving here with a point,” said PSV coach Peter Bosz.