Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the Champions League final after drawing 1-1 with Bayern Munich on Wednesday night at the Allianz Arena. It was a solid collective display from Luis Enrique’s side, and that strength was reflected in the ratings handed out by the French press.
Between Le Parisien, L’Équipe and VIPSG, several major trends stand out: Matvey Safonov’s huge performance, Warren Zaïre-Emery’s impressive defensive work, and the solidity shown by Willian Pacho and Marquinhos at the back.
Safonov, PSG’s saviour
The Russian goalkeeper earned some of the highest overall ratings after this semi-final second leg. VIPSG gave him a strong 8/10, praising “several decisive saves and great composure in the hottest moments”.
Le Parisien went even higher with an 8.5/10, making him PSG’s best-rated player of the night. L’Équipe was slightly more measured with a 7/10, but still underlined his importance in this qualification.
Zaïre-Emery impresses everyone
Used in a very demanding defensive role, Warren Zaïre-Emery convinced everyone. VIPSG gave him the team’s highest rating with 8.5/10 after a performance described as “huge defensively”. Le Parisien and L’Équipe both awarded him 8/10, proof of his impact in this tactical battle against Bayern.
Pacho and Marquinhos, the Parisian wall
Under heavy pressure, PSG’s defence stood firm. Willian Pacho received an excellent 8/10 from all three outlets, a sign of his massive activity in the duels. VIPSG even described him as “heroic despite taking several knocks”.
Captain Marquinhos also earned very strong marks: 8/10 from Le Parisien, 7/10 from L’Équipe and 7.5/10 from VIPSG, where he was described as “the boss at the back”.
Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé made the difference
Going forward, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of PSG’s most dangerous players. All three outlets gave him 8/10, highlighting his ability to create openings with the ball at his feet.
Ousmane Dembélé received more mixed ratings. VIPSG gave him 8/10 after his “crucial goal” and attacking activity, while Le Parisien rated him 7/10 and L’Équipe only 6/10.
João Neves confirmed his excellent European campaign with ratings between 7 and 7.5/10. Fabián Ruiz was also rewarded for his balance and technical quality, with marks ranging from 7 to 7.5/10.
Vitinha, however, divided opinion more clearly. VIPSG gave him 7/10 for his calmness in the build-up, while L’Équipe was much harsher with a 5/10.
Finally, Luis Enrique received an impressive 9/10 from L’Équipe, with the French sports daily rewarding his ability to adapt his team to a much tighter match than the first leg.
PSG will now face Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest as they look to retain their European crown.
Le Parisien ratings: Matvey Safonov (8.5), Warren Zaïre-Emery (8), Marquinhos (8), Willian Pacho (8), Nuno Mendes (6.5), João Neves (7.5), Vitinha (6), Fabián Ruiz (7), Désiré Doué (6.5), Ousmane Dembélé (7), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (8).
L’Équipe ratings: Luis Enrique (9), Matvey Safonov (7), Warren Zaïre-Emery (8), Marquinhos (7), Willian Pacho (8), Nuno Mendes (7), João Neves (7), Vitinha (5), Fabián Ruiz (7), Désiré Doué (6), Ousmane Dembélé (6), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (8).
VIPSG ratings: Matvey Safonov (8/10), Warren Zaïre-Emery (8.5/10), Marquinhos (7.5/10), Willian Pacho (8/10), Nuno Mendes (7/10), Vitinha (7/10), João Neves (7/10), Fabián Ruiz (7.5/10), Ousmane Dembélé (8/10), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (8/10), Désiré Doué (7.5/10), Bradley Barcola (6/10), Lucas Hernandez (6/10), Lucas Beraldo (6/10), Senny Mayulu (5.5/10).
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