The Debutant Girona Suffers the Cruelest Defeat at the Parc des Princes

The novice Girona experienced the cruelty of the beautiful game in the top continental competition at the Parc des Princes. Argentine Paulo Gazzaniga had delivered an exceptional performance, making saves that left PSG, and especially Dembélé, dry. However, in the last minute, he conceded an absurd goal. Nuno Mendes advanced down the left, barely managed to launch a cross-shot, and the ball slipped through the goalkeeper's hands and between his legs. The justification that it had deflected off a defender does not even suffice.

It is true that the French team deserved to win by far on points, but they triumphed in the harshest way for an opponent making their debut in such arenas. Through sacrifice, teamwork, and great collective order, the red-and-whites had survived against an enemy aspiring for the title due to their budget, players, and coach, although opinions on Luis Enrique are very divided.

The outlook was not promising for the Catalans at the start. Perhaps inhibited by what it means to debut on a historic stage and against one of the title contenders, they were at PSG's mercy for the first quarter of an hour. The high pressure ordered by Luis Enrique, combined with the visitors' doubts, generated great uncertainty in the team captained by Stuani, who at nearly 38 years old is the second oldest debutant in Champions League history. Only surpassed by Greek Tasos Mitropoulos, who debuted with Olympiakos against Rosenborg at 40 years old.

Match of the first day of the Champions League, held at the Parc des Princes. About 6,000 seats were empty due to a UEFA sanction.

The French champion could have taken the lead twice, but first Krejci deflected a goal-bound shot from Zaire-Emery and then Marco Asensio shot very close to the post after a luxurious backheel pass from Emery. From then on, however, Girona found calm with possession to rest with the ball, avoid their rival's feared transitions, and not face more trouble until halftime.

The Girona team even appeared a couple of times in Paris' area. Van de Beek slipped when Bryan Gil had provided an interesting pass to him and later Safonov, a Russian goalkeeper signed from Krasnodar for 20 million and starting due to Donnarumma's injury, anticipated Stuani on a cross from Miguel Gutiérrez. It ended in nothing but was a long action from Girona where the ball returned to Gazzaniga three times. It carries enormous risk as seen last weekend against Barça but it is Míchel's style which has led Girona to the Champions League.

Near halftime, Asensio suffered yet another muscle injury and was replaced by Kolo Muani, more offensive than the Balearic but also likes to drop deep and link up play. The worst news for Girona was that Oriol Romeu, their defensive midfielder, and Krejci, the notable Czech central defender responsible for anticipations, both received early yellow cards.

The pace increased after resumption. Girona enjoyed themselves and even dominated at times without creating danger but PSG's counterattacks were tremendous because their attackers are lightning fast. Dembélé had a golden chance but hesitated and Krejci first kept pace with him then made a colossal tackle. Gazzaniga also made a phenomenal save from Ousmane.

PSG deserved to be ahead by now but lack of finishing prompted Luis Enrique to look to his bench for a triple change. It was notable that he simultaneously took off Vitinha, Fabián and young Bartola—three key players—but Doué, Neves and Kang-in Lee are top quality replacements. On the other side Míchel sought more freshness and muscle with substitutions of Solís, Portu, Danjuma and Asprilla.

The pressure from PSG intensified towards the end. Kolo Muani missed although it wasn't as clear an opportunity as Dibu Martínez thwarted in the World Cup final in Qatar. Gazzaniga made an extraordinary save from Hakimi's point-blank shot but just when Girona were about to secure a heroic point came disaster.