Failure is bitter. And the consequences can be significant. This Tuesday evening, despite extreme domination, Paris Saint-Germain was beaten by Sporting Lisbon (2-1) during the 7th day of the Champions League league phase. An astonishing defeat, only the second in C1 this season, which will inevitably have a negative impact on the Parisians’ ranking.
After the first nine matches of this 7th day, PSG is in 5th place with 13 points, behind Arsenal, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Tottenham. However, he is under threat from several teams who are playing this Wednesday. This is particularly the case for Atalanta (13 points), which faces Athletic Bilbao, Atlético Madrid (12 points), which challenges Galatasaray, and Liverpool (12 points), which travels to Marseille.
But that’s not all. With 10 points, Newcastle, Chelsea and FC Barcelona can also return to equality with the capital club in the event of success against PSV, Pafos and Slavia Prague. It will then be the goal difference which will determine the ranking. PSG is currently at +10, a little ahead of Newcastle (+7), Chelsea (+5) and Barcelona (+3).
Everything will be decided against Newcastle at the Parc
One day before the end of the first phase of this Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain’s setback could therefore cost them dearly. The Parisians will, however, have a final chance to make up for it against Newcastle next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes.
At a press conference this Monday, Luis Enrique did not, however, make this top 8, synonymous with direct qualification for the round of 16, an obsession. “I’m not sure it’s ideal, because we wouldn’t play in the play-offs, while he will also miss the four Coupe de France matches that we could have played. So, qualifying directly for the eighth is our goal, but it’s not necessarily a good thing for us. I know, it’s a bit contradictory, or paradoxical,” he declared.
