‘The ambitions remain the same’ - Marquinhos outlines PSG's Champions League goals

This Wednesday, PSG will begin their new Champions League campaign, giving Marquinhos the chance to reflect on some of his key moments with the club.

PSG will kick off their Champions League journey this Wednesday evening, facing Girona at the Parc des Princes to start the new format of the competition. PSG captain Marquinhos gave an interview to the club’s official website, looking back at some of his most memorable moments in the Champions League. The 30-year-old Brazilian had his first start and scored his first goal in the competition eleven years ago.

Marquinhos reflects on Champions League journey and outlines PSG’s ambitions

His first Champions League match against Olympiacos

"It was my first European match wearing the Paris-Saint-Germain shirt, and I hadn’t anticipated the moment at all, as I had to replace Alex, who was injured, at the last minute. I was only 19, and I found myself on the pitch with Thiago Silva. It was truly an unforgettable moment. That music, the atmosphere, and everything about it will remain etched in my memory. Plus, against Olympiacos, I also scored my first Champions League goal for PSG.

It was a very special night for me. Today, I have more experience, and when I see players like Lucas Beraldo, who are emotional hearing that music for the first time, it takes me back, it’s touching. You need to cherish those moments. Things move so fast in our lives, especially in a footballer’s career. You must never forget where you come from and what your dreams were. When you hear that music, it reminds you of everything you’ve been through to get here."

The standout performance against Chelsea in 2015

"That match against Chelsea, when we were down to 10 men after Zlatan was sent off (in March 2015, PSG came from behind twice with a man down). It was such a tough game against a team we faced often during that period. I think it was crucial to show that we were there to achieve something important. The speeches from all the captains and leaders in the dressing room that day were very important. They gave us strength, motivating us to perform even with 10 men. And we did it! We fought until the last minute and snatched qualification.

I remember the emotion and joy after that match. That night, I played right-back, and I think everyone put in an incredible effort throughout the game, especially during extra time. It was a very demanding match, extremely tough for us as a team and a group. The dressing room and the team talk that day were vital."

The comeback against Atalanta in 2020

"We were really at the end; I had such bad cramps that I had pulled down my socks. I couldn’t play in midfield anymore; I was exhausted. I told Thiago Silva that I couldn’t do it, that I couldn’t run or manage the midfield for the final five minutes. He told me to go forward and stay there, and that’s how I ended up in that position.

We had an attack, Ney was on the wing, and I found myself in the box… and we scored. It was madness, an incredible energy. I still get goosebumps thinking about that moment. And then, a few minutes later, Choupo-Moting’s goal took us to the semi-finals. That comeback will always be a significant moment in my life and football career."

The new Champions League format

"We’ll discover it together on Wednesday. But the ambitions, dreams, and goals remain the same. We want to make our supporters dream and feel proud of the players who wear the shirt and fight for Paris. Now, it’s time to explore this new format and do everything we can to qualify. The most important thing will be this first match against Girona at home – to put on a good performance, show a strong image, and pick up points in front of our fans. The goal is to start well."