Champions League – Paris Saint-Germain is under observation from Lisbon Benfica despite Mbappe’s goal (1-1).

Paris Saint-Germain, like Benfica, has taken a small step towards qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Both teams gave us a repeat of last week’s match, so we couldn’t make the decision (1-1). Despite the unfavorable context after the burning rumors about Mbappe’s desires elsewhere, the capital club avoided adding a sporting crisis to itself, even if it had a third straight draw, in all competitions. Kylian Mbappe, the defending champion, kept his rank by scoring a penalty kick. It wasn’t enough to let his team win after a generally closed meeting. It will also be necessary to monitor the condition of the French striker’s ankle, who could be traumatized against OM scheduled for Sunday.

Little is known about Champions League Group H after the double confrontation between Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica, contenders for first place. No doubt paralyzed by media turmoil for some and a complicated journey to manage for others, the 22 actors didn’t really know how to wrap a promising poster on paper. Without Lionel Messi, who breastfed his ankle, PSG relied offensively on the often futile acceleration of Kylian Mbappe and the few differences made by Neymar, who received plenty of whistles. Overall, the match veered a lot to the left for the Parisians, against the Portuguese who understood that and defended well. As proof of this, Odysseas Vlachodimos did not have a single stop.

Mbappe takes responsibility

Christophe Galtier’s men are still finding a way to unlock the registry. Starting from the left, Juan Bernat was clipped into the penalty area and the referee didn’t hesitate for a second when he whistled from the penalty spot. We expected the specialist Neymar to take care of her, but this time the hierarchy was respected. Mbappe seized the ball to take charge and, firmly in the head, took Odyssias perfectly on the wrong foot (1-0, 40). This goal was neither worthy nor worthy, as we were so bored before this first work that no one dared to take it. The observation tour was a bit long. PSG was ahead at least.

The Parisians never looked to shine in this match. Benfica Lisbon too, in fact. However, the people of Lisbon were not questioned when Marco Verratti was guilty of wrongdoing at the entrance to his area. The referee needed the VAR to award another penalty, which was turned without any problem by Joao Mario against Gianluigi Donnarumma who had to find the long time (1-1, 62). There was still half an hour left for PSG to force the decision and snatch qualification at the extreme. Unfortunately, without a real team link, he couldn’t find the rebound that would have allowed him to sign the victory, even if Mbappe came close to achieving a double in a gentle acrobatic comeback spoiled by an offside position (86).

Once again not enough, not to mention worrying, PSG will have to wait to see their fate in the Champions League. With 8 points in his pocket and considering Juve’s defeat to Maccabi Haifa, he still has favorable concessions. He could have made it a little easier on himself. The real concern is rather in the short term: as a precaution, Mbappe could be added to the list of those absent from the Clasico against Marseille. Besides performances that are far from cheerleading, the capital club really sticks out its tongue.