Paris Saint-Germain Disappoints In 1-0 Champions League Defeat Against Bayern Munich

On a day that Paris basked in benign winter sunshine inviting strolls along the river Seine, the Parc des Princes had to be fortress, resisting whatever the host faced, but in the end Paris Saint-Germain did what it always does in the knockout stage of the Champions League: defy its potential and flirt with elimination following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich. In previous years, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United took PSG’s scalp in the second round of Europe’s premier club competition.

The German champion is no longer a vintage side, without the impeccable goalscoring prowess of Robert Lewandowski and the panache of an all-conquering team, but from the kick-off the Germans applied more intensity even if they struggled to generate much danger. The host was timid, not reflecting some of its riches.

Perhaps this was a post-World Cup depression? With Kylian Mbappe on the bench, recovering from injury, Lionel Messi was invisible, a shadow of the diminutive genius that had towered so resplendently over the last World Cup, the 35-year-old channelling his inner child to transcend himself and lead his Argentina to World Cup victory. That zest and zip in the shape of his mesmerizing dribbles, subtle passes and other reality-defying soccer wizardry were all non-existent at the Parc des Princes.

And what of his South American attacking partner Neymar, who played somewhat deeper in 4-4-1-1 formation? He was mesmerizing in his own way, drawing the attention of every single observer whenever he was near the ball.

The Brazilian rolls around the field and then some more. At least, that is the image that Neymar promotes. It’s a weird legacy to leave – the boy genius who rose through the ranks of Santos, played in the shadow of Messi in Barcelona, moved to the French capital to conquer the world, but will ultimately be more remembered for his histrionics. Against Munich, he looked on the brink of death every time he was touched. His first-half performance merited an obituary.

By the pause, PSG had no attempts on target. Bayern Munich was hardly better. The Germans had a distinct lack of quality and imagination once the ball reached the box. They lacked Thomas Muller’s ability to find space and impart flicks and finishes. Instead, Eric Choupo-Moting, once of PSG, was simply not good enough. He seemed out of place, a victim of the Peter Principle.

Even so, the visiting team got what it deserved – on the balance of play – in the 55th minute when Parisian-born Kingsley Coman’s first-time finish with the inside of his right foot somehow squirmed underneath Gianluigi Donnarumma, 1-0.

PSG coach Christophe Galtier threw the dice, bringing on Mbappe. The match ignited. The host lurked on the counter, sometimes playing a 7-3 formation out of possession, highlighting the dissonance within its ranks. At least, PSG had more purpose in attack through Mbappe’s speed. The French star had a goal chalked off for offside and Lionel Messi had a goal-bound attempted blocked by Benjamin Pavard. At last, Nuno Mendes, tearing down the left, was tormenting the Bayern backline. But PSG didn’t find a way. Pavard’s late sending-off was academic.

Cue existential crisis? Has PSG’s season already come to an end? Each and every version of PSG seems the same: a star-studded, top-heavy XI that plays without identity and philosophy. From Carlo Ancelotti to Mauricio Pochettino and now Christophe Galtier, each and every coach has attempted to rectify the ills, but none have succeeded, buckling under the pressure of a club obsessed by winning the continental crown. No one has found the right formula to mold the outrageous assortment of game-winning talent in the French capital. Ultimately, the Parisians always come up against a better collective. Will Galtier be the next to fall? In three weeks time, PSG has a mountain to climb at the Allianz Arena.