PSG Escapes with a 1-0 Win Over Girona in Champions League Opener: A Fortunate Goal and a Manager's Suffering

Paris Saint-Germain were closing in on a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign when Nuno Mendes (22) helped nudge Les Parisiens over the line against a resilient FC Girona.

In the 90th minute, the Portuguese fullback’s hopeful last-ditch cross was inadvertently deflected by Alejandro Francés (22) and slipped through Paulo Gazzaniga’s (32) hands. It was enough to secure a 1-0 victory at the Parc des Princes and stretch PSG’s winning start to the season to five games across all competitions.

The goal was certainly fortunate for PSG, but to Luis Enrique, his side had done enough to earn that luck. “We had 70% possession against a team that usually has the ball and that I think can qualify for the next stage of the competition. I really liked our second half, the technical and physical rhythm was much higher than Girona’s and we had two or three chances to score. Girona felt it.”

However, the manager admitted that he and his side were forced to “suffer” throughout the match. “I suffered a lot during this match, more than during childbirth and I witnessed several even if I was not the main protagonist.”

A Story of Two Halves

The first half saw Girona hold their own against the star-studded PSG, keeping the French giants at bay. PSG dominated possession and created chances, but a well-organized Girona defense kept them at bay.

A Late Twist of Fate

The second half saw PSG step up their intensity and create more clear-cut opportunities. Despite the lack of goals, PSG still managed to maintain their lead, and their relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 90th minute, when Gazzaniga let Nuno Mendes’s cross slip through his hands.

A Fortunate Goal

The goal, although fortunate, was enough to secure a victory for PSG. It was not the most convincing performance, but it was enough to secure three points and a winning start to the Champions League campaign. The win was a testament to the depth of the PSG squad and their ability to come out on top even when not playing at their best.

A Resilient Girona

Girona, however, should not be overlooked. Their display, particularly in the first half, demonstrated their ability to compete against elite opposition, a testament to the progress they have made in recent years.

A New Era for Girona

Girona's recent rise from the lower leagues has been nothing short of remarkable. Having achieved promotion to La Liga in 2017, they have gone from strength to strength, securing a third-place finish in the league last season. This season, they are aiming to make a mark on the Champions League stage.

The Future Awaits

The match was a valuable lesson for Girona. The experience of facing PSG, a club of their stature, will only serve to make them stronger. They can take confidence from their performance, particularly in the first half, and look forward to future challenges with renewed optimism.