Things couldn’t have gone better for Paris Saint-Germain on matchday one of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League.
Last Tuesday, PSG hosted Borussia Dortmund at the Parc des Princes and put on a commanding performance for those who try online betting sites that accept Skrill. Kylian Mbappé converted a generous penalty in the 49th minute, and then Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi combined for a beautiful goal to double PSG’s lead in the 58th minute.
Keeping a clean sheet was vital for PSG and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been inconsistent since his arrival from AC Milan in 2021. Luis Enrique managed his first Champions League match at the helm of this PSG squad, and you have to say he passed the first test. PSG dominated possession, and you saw a squad with a hunger to win that was absent last season.
Along with Dortmund, PSG is in the Group of Death with AC Milan and Newcastle United. In the other Group F match between AC Milan and Newcastle, both sides battled to a scoreless draw, which was perfect for PSG in terms of the standings. PSG now lead the group with Milan and Newcastle behind them and Dortmund in last place.
It was crucial for PSG to get off to a good start, considering they signed 11 new players and have a new manager, not to mention the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. Dortmund are considered the “weakest” opponent in the group, and defeating them at home was critical if Les Parisiens hoped to advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League.
The man of the match for PSG against Dortmund was Vitinha. In addition to his assist to Hakimi, he nearly scored in the first half when his shot hit the goalpost. His passing was impressive, and he helped PSG control the midfield along with Manuel Ugarte and Warren Zaïre-Emery. Vitinha’s performance also helped calm some concerns supporters had with Marco Verratti departing the club. It’s too early to say if Vitinha is a Verratti replacement, but there’s plenty of promise with the Portugal international.
Up next for PSG is Newcastle at St James’ Park in early October. It will be the first Champions League match in that stadium in 20 years, and the atmosphere should be electric. It’s a good test for PSG to see where they need to improve and if they can be considered true contenders to win the Champions League.
