PSG – Can They Do It On Europe’s Biggest Stage?

 

PSG have the funds and have the squad to be considered amongst Europe’s elite but never truly reach their potential when it comes to The Champions League. We take a look at why this year could be their year.

PSG’s dominance in Ligue 1 is unquestionable losing only once this season and winning the title three years in a row since 2012/2013. Currently, they sit 23 points clear and boast the firepower of players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Angel Di Maria and Thiago Silva and yet since 2012/2013 they have not progressed past the quarter finals.

The possibility for their troubles in Europe could be that they underestimate their opponents. The Champions League is undoubtedly more challenging than Ligue 1 and PSG are not used to having to play without being in control of the match. This arrogance could be the reason they have struggled against Europe’s biggest clubs.

It may also be that their star players, such as Ibrahimovic, seem to struggle in the Champions League when compared to Ligue 1. Ibrahimovic averages a WhoScored rating of 8.17 domestically but only a 7.72 when performing in Europe, the big names need to step forth and deliver in Europe if PSG are to be considered in the same bracket as Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Yet, last year they overcame a one man disadvantage against Chelsea to progress on away goals demonstrating that when they have to, they can dig deep and go toe to toe with Europe’s elite. This year they hold a 2-1 advantage over Chelsea thanks to Edinson Cavani’s and Ibrahimovic’s goals but the trip to Stamford Bridge will be difficult. Chelsea will be wanting to put aside their dismal title defence and focus on progressing as far as possible in the Champion’s League and their recent upturn in results shows they should not be taken lightly.

The players such as Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria need to justify to the fans that they are worth the huge transfer sums and can deliver when the stakes are far higher.

One thing is for sure, the second leg of this huge clash with Chelsea will promise to be a mouth watering affair that will be dripping with quality, and PSG need to show to the fans of European football that they are not just domestically dominant but can put the performances in to progress further in Europe’s biggest competition.

 

Chelsea Vs PSG 9th March 19:45