Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Girona in their opening Champions League match at the Parc des Princes on September 18, 2024, thanks to a last-minute blunder from the opposing goalkeeper. The game’s only goal came as Paulo Gazzaniga failed to handle a left-wing cross from Nuno Mendes, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and legs.
This match marked the beginning of a new chapter for PSG, who entered the competition without a “galactico” for the first time in over a decade. The club has seen the departure of stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, shifting its focus towards a squad built around French talent and improved teamwork.
Mbappé’s absence was particularly significant, as he left PSG for Real Madrid, scoring for his new team just a day prior. Critics previously questioned Mbappé’s defensive contribution during his time at PSG, and head coach Luis Enrique was vocal on the sideline about his players failing to close down opponents effectively.
Despite PSG’s victory, the team struggled to create clear chances throughout the match. The first half was marked by a lack of attacking play, with the crowd expressing their discontent as the team failed to capitalize on opportunities. Midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery noted that the squad is in a transitional phase, with new players still adapting.
Gerona, meanwhile, faced their challenges after losing several key players from the previous season. Defender Ladislav Krejčí made a notable tackle on PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, preventing a clear scoring opportunity.
Reflecting on the performance, PSG midfielder Vitinha acknowledged the need for improvement and commended Girona for their efforts while urging his team to address their shortcomings.