PSG sneaks 1-0 win over Girona after frustrating game of missed chances

On Wednesday, 18 September, Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their European adventure by welcoming Girona to the Parc des Princes for Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League's new league format.

PSG entered the game riding high on a perfect start to their domestic campaign, with four wins from four matches and 16 goals to their name. In contrast, Girona, under the guidance of Michel, had a less impressive beginning to their La Liga season, managing only two victories from their first five outings.

Luis Enrique named a starting XI featuring Safonov in goal, with Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Nuno Mendes forming the defensive line. In midfield, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz got the nod, while the attacking trio consisted of Dembele, Asensio, and Barcola.

Michel, meanwhile, set up his Girona side with Gazzaniga between the sticks, supported by Martinez, Lopez, Krejci, and Gutierrez at the back. In midfield, Martin, Romeu, and van de Beek started, with Tsygankov, Gil, and Stuani leading the attack.

The first 10 minutes largely reflected PSG's dominance and solid work. This period ended with a couple of dangerous chances created by the Parisians, with both Dembele and Zaire-Emery coming close to the opposition's goal.

PSG sneaks 1-0 win over Girona after frustrating game of missed chances

After the first half hour of the match, PSG's dominance in possession was absolute, holding 73%. However, they had only registered 5 shots with none on target at that point.

In the 38th minute, Marco Asensio was unexpectedly substituted, with Randal Kolo Muani coming on. It appeared the Spaniard picked up an injury at some point during the match, as he was seen clutching his right thigh, showing signs of discomfort.

The first half ended 0-0, with PSG dominating possession but creating few clear chances. Several shots went off target, and while they pressed forward frequently, they caused little real danger.

In the 55th minute, Dembele had the best chance of the match. One-on-one with the goalkeeper and Barcola to his left, Ousmane neither took the shot nor passed to Bradley. A costly mistake from the Frenchman.

A minute later, the 'mosquito' did better, but it wasn’t enough. He dribbled forward and struck with his left foot, but it was an easy save for the opposing keeper. PSG kept pressing on.

In the 63rd minute, Desire Doue, Joao Neves, and Kang-In Lee came on, replacing Bradley Barcola, Fabian Ruiz, and Vitinha.

In the 89th minute, Nuno Mendes salvaged both the match and his own night. After a less-than-powerful shot, Girona's goalkeeper made a critical error, letting the ball slip through and into the net. PSG escapes with a win, but there's little to be proud of.