Kylian Mbappe envisioned his departure from Paris St-Germain crowned by a Champions League triumph. Instead, his final act on the European stage starkly contrasted his dreams. In what became his last moment representing PSG in the competition, Mbappe futilely slipped while pursuing an unreachable through ball, a minor yet symbolic mishap in a match already out of reach.
This occurred during the dying seconds of stoppage time as Borussia Dortmund secured a 2-0 aggregate win, characterized by vigorous defensive efforts and a robust pressing game, coupled with a notable dash of fortune. This slip not only marked the conclusion of the game but also symbolized the end of PSG’s lavishly funded yet fruitless pursuit of European glory.
Mbappe’s Uncharacteristic Performance and PSG’s Elusive Champions League Dream
“Kylian Mbappe’s subdued performance over two crucial matches was unexpected,” noted Rio Ferdinand, a former England defender and Champions League winner with Manchester United, during his analysis with TNT Sports. “Typically, Mbappe thrives under the pressure of significant moments on the grandest stages, consistently rising to the occasion throughout his career. However, this time, he was not the decisive, clinical player we are used to.”
Since Qatar Sports Investments acquired Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2011, capturing the Champions League title has been their ultimate ambition, supported by significant financial investments. The ambition intensified in 2017 with Neymar’s record-breaking transfer from Barcelona, followed by Mbappe’s arrival after his World Cup triumph with France. The acquisition of Lionel Messi in 2021, one of the greatest players of all time, seemed to set PSG on a direct path to their first Champions League victory, with a formidable trio leading the line.
Despite these star-studded signings, as summer approaches, none of Messi, Neymar, or Mbappe will remain in Paris. They are set to move to Miami, Saudi Arabia, and likely Madrid, respectively, leaving PSG without the coveted Champions League trophy.
Since 2017, PSG has dominated domestically, securing six out of seven Ligue 1 titles and multiple domestic cups, including three Coupes de France and the final French League Cup. However, their Champions League aspirations have been largely unfulfilled, with the team surpassing the last 16 only three times — reaching the final during the pandemic-affected 2020 season, the semifinals the following year, and in this current campaign.
PSG’s Champions League Woes Continue
PSG remains just shy of the elite tier in European football. Despite their significant investments, they have yet to overcome the semi-final stage of the Champions League under QSI ownership. Their recent exits were at the hands of Manchester City in the 2020-21 season and Borussia Dortmund in the 2023-24 season, losing all four matches across these two ties.
The latest elimination is especially bitter, as PSG failed to find the net against Dortmund—a team that finished fifth in the Bundesliga—despite taking a staggering 44 shots over the two legs. This marks the most shots taken without scoring in a Champions League knockout tie since Opta started tracking this data in 2003-04.
In their desperate quest for goals, PSG struck the post six times during the series, with four of those coming in the second half of the return leg in Paris. One notable moment saw Warren Zaire-Emery hitting the post from close range, only for Mats Hummels to score with a header at the other end soon after. Nuno Mendes also hit the woodwork from distance, and both Kylian Mbappé and Vitinha found the bar in the dying moments of the match.
These continual near-misses highlight a recurring theme: PSG’s inability to capitalize on crucial moments in the Champions League. Even star players like Mbappé have struggled to make the decisive impact when most needed.
Despite these setbacks, there are silver linings. PSG demonstrated commendable resilience in this Champions League campaign, particularly in bouncing back from a heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in the group stages. Their tenacity to reach the semifinals after such a challenging start showcases a fighting spirit that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
PSG’s Strategic Resurgence in the Champions League
In a dramatic turn during the reverse fixture against the Magpies, a penalty by Mbappe in the 98th minute was crucial for securing PSG’s second place in Group F, trailing Dortmund but leading over AC Milan. This pivotal moment paved the way for their astounding comeback against Barcelona in the quarter-finals, where PSG showcased a perfect mix of finesse and resilience, mirroring the qualities of their manager, Luis Enrique.
Enrique’s forward-looking vision is evident. With an average age of 24 years and 157 days, PSG fielded the youngest starting lineup in a Champions League semi-final since Arsenal’s 2008-09 clash against Manchester United.
Post-match, Enrique expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the unity and dedication displayed. “I’m happy from what I saw from my team,” he stated during the media briefing, highlighting the incredible support from the fans and a collective spirit that promises a bright future.
As PSG ushers in this new era, the challenge lies in overcoming previous setbacks and cementing a legacy of success.
