Paris Saint-Germain’s nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over Liverpool in the Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. In their first major test without Kylian Mbappé leading the line, PSG proved they are no longer the fragile, star-dependent side that crumbled under pressure in previous European campaigns. Instead, they now stand as serious contenders for the title.
For years, PSG’s Champions League story was one of heartbreak, infamous collapses, and unfulfilled potential. From Barcelona’s 6-1 comeback in 2017 to agonizing defeats against Manchester United and Real Madrid, their reputation was stained by disappointment. But this latest triumph over Liverpool paints a completely different picture.
A New Mentality
The first leg in Paris ended in frustration for PSG, as they dominated but still lost 1-0. Facing a Liverpool side that had only lost once at Anfield all season, the odds were stacked against them. Yet, from the moment the game kicked off, Luis Enrique’s team showed they were up for the challenge.
Ousmane Dembélé set the tone with an early goal, leveling the tie on aggregate and injecting belief into the team. Gianluigi Donnarumma, often criticized for inconsistency, delivered a world-class performance, making crucial saves to keep Liverpool at bay. PSG not only absorbed pressure but also carried a constant attacking threat, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia dazzling and Desire Doue making an impact off the bench.
After a tense goalless extra-time period, the game went to penalties. PSG held their composure, converting all four spot-kicks, while Donnarumma denied Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones to seal the win. It was a performance built on resilience, tactical discipline, and, above all, belief—qualities that were often missing in past campaigns.
The Luis Enrique Effect
For years, PSG relied on superstar names, but too often, their individual brilliance masked the team’s structural flaws. The 2017 collapse against Barcelona triggered an arms race in the transfer market, leading to the record-breaking signings of Neymar and Mbappé. Despite reaching the Champions League final in 2020 and the semi-finals in 2021, the dream of European glory always felt just out of reach.
The arrival of Lionel Messi was supposed to be the missing piece, but instead, PSG looked further than ever from their goal. It wasn’t until Luis Enrique took charge in 2023 that things truly started to change.
Last season, PSG’s semi-final exit against Borussia Dortmund was another bitter pill to swallow, especially with Mbappé leading the line. But Luis Enrique remained steadfast in his belief that PSG would be better off as a cohesive unit rather than relying on one star. Now, it’s clear he was right.
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A Team, Not Just Stars
PSG’s evolution this season hasn’t been without hurdles. They endured early Champions League setbacks against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich, and Luis Enrique faced criticism for his tactical approach. But those struggles are now a distant memory.
Dembélé, once plagued by inconsistency, has been in electric form, netting 24 goals in 19 appearances since mid-December. Kvaratskhelia, a January signing from Napoli, was so impressive at Anfield that he received applause from the Liverpool fans when substituted in extra time.
The young talents in PSG’s squad are thriving. Midfielders Vitinha and João Neves bring energy and technique, while full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes provide width and defensive solidity. The addition of Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho has strengthened a backline that already boasts the leadership of Marquinhos.
A Fearless Future
With an average starting lineup age of under 25, PSG’s transformation isn’t just about the present—it’s about building a dynasty. Players like Doue and Warren Zaïre-Emery, both just 19, are already making a major impact.
“This is just the beginning,” Luis Enrique confidently declared after the match when asked if his team had reached their peak.
Aston Villa or Club Brugge await in the quarter-finals, while a possible semi-final clash with Mbappé’s future club, Real Madrid, looms on the horizon. But this time, PSG aren’t just another team in the mix. They are a genuine threat, ready to take on Europe’s best.
“Good luck to whoever faces PSG,” former French international Samir Nasri quipped as a pundit on Canal Plus. “Barcelona have their moments of magic, but PSG, as a team, are the most complete right now.”
If this performance against Liverpool is anything to go by, PSG might just be on the brink of finally achieving what they have chased for so long—Champions League glory.
