Four takeaways from the Champions League: PSG gets lucky, Manchester City and Inter Milan misfire

The latest round of Champions League fixtures featured heavyweights like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but neither team delivered a standout performance. Instead, they faced challenges that showcased the unpredictability of this elite competition.

1. PSG’s Lucky Escape

PSG, under manager Luis Enrique, eked out a narrow 1-0 victory against Girona, who were making their Champions League debut. Enrique’s post-match comments, where he likened the tension of watching his team struggle to “worse than giving birth,” captured the frustration of the evening. The match appeared destined for a draw until a blunder by Girona’s goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, in the 90th minute. A deflected cross from Nuno Mendes slipped through his fingers, gifting PSG the win.

Despite a disappointing display, PSG managed to maintain their perfect record for the season, winning five out of five matches. Enrique acknowledged the difficulty of the match, noting Girona’s skill in ball possession and their solid defensive play. “We struggled a lot; it was difficult for us,” he admitted, reflecting on missed opportunities that could have eased the late pressure.

2. City and Inter Fail to Capitalize

In a much-anticipated rematch of the 2023 final, Manchester City faced Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium, but the match ended in a dull 0-0 draw. Despite being the victors in last year’s final, City failed to find the net. İlkay Gündoğan had two promising chances but was unable to convert. Erling Haaland was unusually quiet, and Kevin De Bruyne exited the match early due to injury, raising concerns for City ahead of their crucial weekend clash against Arsenal.

City manager Pep Guardiola praised Inter’s defensive capabilities but expressed disappointment at not being able to secure a win at home. He noted, “We defended really well… but I don’t have regrets. I like everything we have done today.” For Inter, manager Simone Inzaghi voiced his frustration at his team’s inability to finish, a recurring theme in their season thus far.

3. Young Star Shines for Dortmund

In another match, Borussia Dortmund faced Club Brugge, which seemed headed for a goalless draw until 20-year-old substitute Jamie Gittens changed the game. Brought on in the second half, Gittens quickly impacted the match, scoring twice and ensuring a 3-0 victory for Dortmund. His deflected shot opened the scoring, followed by a precise finish into the corner, demonstrating his potential as a rising star.

Gittens reflected on his performance, stating, “I got the ball to try to make something happen… to score was even better.” This win is a significant boost for Dortmund, who are looking to capitalize on their European experience following last season’s final loss.

4. Shakhtar Donetsk’s Symbolic Uniform

Shakhtar Donetsk also made headlines, wearing a new kit featuring Ukraine’s national colors in their 0-0 draw against Bologna. This move served as a poignant statement amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The team played their home games in Germany this season due to the war, and their new uniform symbolizes resilience and national pride.

In the match, Shakhtar had a chance to take the lead early with a missed penalty from Georgiy Sudakov, while Bologna’s Giovanni Fabbian also failed to capitalize on a close-range effort. The match underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Shakhtar, both on and off the pitch.

Wednesday’s Results Overview

• Bologna 0-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
• Sparta Prague 3-0 RB Salzburg
• Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Girona
• Club Brugge 0-3 Borussia Dortmund
• Celtic 5-1 Slovan Bratislava
• Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan

The results from Wednesday’s matches highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the Champions League. While PSG managed to scrape a win, City and Inter’s struggles raise questions about their title ambitions. Meanwhile, young talents like Gittens and teams like Shakhtar showcase the spirit and determination that define this prestigious tournament.