Paris Saint-Germain’s impressive performance, culminating in their Champions League quarterfinal qualification after a penalty shootout victory at Anfield, has solidified their status as not only an exciting team to watch in the UCL but also a serious contender for the title. Their squad boasts game-changing players in every position, from the fluid attacking movements of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele, to Nuno Mendes’s defensive prowess against Mohamed Salah, and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s penalty-saving heroics.
Vitinha’s commanding presence in midfield, evidenced by his 136 touches against Liverpool, allows his teammates to shine. He also set the tone for PSG’s perfect penalty shootout performance. Following Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid, coach Luis Enrique has successfully implemented a Barcelona-style approach in Paris. While Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos initially rotated as forwards, the team’s dynamics shifted significantly in January.
Kvaratskhelia’s Impact
The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in January was a significant move for PSG, especially losing a top player mid-season is unusual for title contenders. This winger’s introduction has revolutionized PSG’s attack, making it incredibly unpredictable. Kvaratskhelia’s ability to interchange positions with Dembele and Bradley Barcola, combined with his long-range shooting and precise passing, makes it impossible for defenses to focus on a single threat.
Adding to their offensive power, Achraf Hakimi’s attacking runs from right-back punish overcommitted defenses. Liverpool experienced this firsthand, facing 48 shots across two legs, with 18 on target, pushing their defense to the limit. PSG’s impressive adjustment and player understanding are evident, particularly with Dembele’s versatile role. He operates not as a traditional striker, but as a dynamic forward, dropping deep, moving to the wings, and creating space for the midfield to maintain defensive solidity.
Before Kvaratskhelia joined, PSG’s UCL record in seven games was mixed: three wins, one draw, three losses, with 10 goals scored and 8 conceded. Since his arrival in the last five games, their performance has surged to four wins and only one loss, scoring 15 goals while conceding just two. Against top-tier teams, Kvaratskhelia’s impact has been game-changing.
Balanced Midfield
While Real Madrid struggles to adapt after Mbappe’s departure, PSG has seamlessly adjusted, thanks to their exceptional midfield trio of Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. Their balance and defensive capabilities are crucial, allowing PSG’s wing-backs to contribute effectively. PSG’s squad depth is such that even Marquinhos’s absence in the first leg of the quarterfinals is unlikely to hinder their progress.
Looking Ahead
As PSG prepares for a quarterfinal clash against either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in April, they must avoid complacency after their victory over Liverpool. Maintaining their current form, they have a strong chance of reaching the semifinals, potentially setting up a meeting with Mbappe’s Real Madrid. Such a matchup would not only be a clash of top teams but also a highly anticipated storyline, marking Mbappe’s possible return to Parc des Princes with a Champions League final spot at stake, representing perhaps PSG’s best ever opportunity to win the competition.
