At le Parc des Princes in the French capital, Paris Saint Germain hosted Juventus on the opening matchday of the Champions League group stage. Kylian Mbappé wasted no time at all to leave his mark, scoring two fabulous goals early in the match. The Bianconeri improved after the break and managed to pull one back thanks to Weston McKennie’s header, but the hosts were able to cling on to the lead. So here are our player ratings for the exciting encounter between PSG and Juventus which ended 2-1 in favor of the Ligue 1 champions.
PSG (3-4-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6
The former Milan custodian showcased his great traits with two stunning reaction saves on Milik and Vlahovic in each half, but at the same time, his poor decision making allowed Juventus back in the match as he unwisely abandoned his goal ahead of McKennie’s header.
Sergio Ramos – 6
A vintage performance from the Real Madrid legend who displayed his gamesmanship at times while making decent interceptions. Lost an air duel against the taller Milik which could have been the equalizer for the hosts.
Marquinhos – 6.5
A composed performance from the PSG captain who marshalled his line and helped in brining the ball forward. Did well in his personal duel against Vlahovic, even if he lost his man on one occasion.
Presnel Kimpenbe – 6.5
The French defender didn’t make himself noticed during the match, which is generally a good sign for a player in his position.
Achraf Hakimi – 7
A vibrant display from the former Inter wingback. Although he had a tough task against Kostic, it was enough for him to escape on one dangerous run to provide an assist for his side’s second goal.
Marco Verratti – 6.5
The Euro 2020 winner remains the main architect of this PSG side. Controlled the tempo in the middle of the park and kept the ball rolling for the French without taking unnecessary risks.
Vitinha – 5.5
The former Porto man was probably not at his optimal physical shape after sustaining a slight knock last weekend. Made little contribution to his team’s cause, especially on the attacking phase.
Nuno Mendes – 6.5
A solid display from the young wingback who succeeded in warding off Cuadrado on several occasions. Managed to break away with a menacing run early in the second half which could have ended the match, but was wasted by his teammates. Perhaps should have done better to stop McKennie from winning the header.
Lionel Messi – 7
The GOAT still has it, even if he decides to take a backseat for his equally-fabulous striking partners at times. Provided his teammates with several lovely balls and tested Perin himself on some occasions.
Kylian Mbappé – 8
After getting caught by Bremer’s challenge, the World Cup winner apparently lost his clinical touch, as he went missing in the second half. But at that point, the damage had already been done. He beat Perin with a vicious volley after five minutes and then doubled the lead with a simple yet brilliant first-time shot.
Neymar – 7.5
The Brazilian is back at his best again. Delivered the assist for Mbappé’s opener with an exquisite lob and was generally inspired all evening. Tried to put his name on the scoresheet, but lacked the final touch.
PSG Substitutes
Danilo Pereira – 6
The Portuguese provided some muscles in the middle of the park when he replaced his compatriot Vitinha.
Nordi Mukiele – 5
The former Leipzig defender provided none of Hakimi’s dangerous runs on the right flank and failed to make an interception which almost cost his side dearly late in the match.
Carlos Soler – N/A
Renato Sanches – N/A
102 – Leandro Paredes made 102 touches against PSG, more than any other player in his debut match with Juventus in the Champions League since Opta started to collect this kind of data (since 2003/04). Structure.#PSGJuve pic.twitter.com/6Gm9htOmxR
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) September 6, 2022
Juventus (3-5-2)
Mattia Perin – 7
Another impressive display from Juve’s second choice goalkeeper, despite conceding twice. Put a hand to Mbappé’s shot on the opener but the power was too much to handle. Nonetheless, he pulled off a string of fine saves, including an astonishing effort to deny Neymar.
Danilo – 5.5
A mixed bag from the former Manchester City man. He made some important contributions at the back, but was all over the place on PSG’s second goal, allowing Hakimi to escape his marking.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5
The Juventus captain was never going to win a sprint against Mbappé, nevertheless, he looked solid as ever in tight spaces, making crucial interceptions.
Gleison Bremer – 6
The Brazilian had a tough task against an in-form Neymar. His compatriot managed to lure him away from the box which created just enough space for Mbappé to break the deadlock. However, it remains a decent outing for a player who’s making his first steps on the big stage.
Juan Cuadrado – 6.5
The Colombian was frustrated by the unyielding Mendes who deprived from all sorts of space on the right flank. Yet, he still managed to escape on some occasions, and deserved to have an assist to his name. Provided fabulous crosses for Milik and Vlahovic who were both denied by Donnarumma.
Adrien Rabiot – 6
Not a bad outing from the Frenchman on his return to Paris. Enjoyed a friendly duel against his former teammate Verratti and carried the water for Juventus in the middle of the park.
Leandro Paredes – 7
Forget what they say about adjusting periods. The Argentine was still a PSG player last week, but looked every bit of Juventus star on Tuesday night. Dictated the play in midfield and protected the backline with his generous contribution.
Fabio Miretti – 5
It simply wasn’t the young man’s night, as he struggled to find his footing and obtained a booking. Allegri rightfully hauled him off at halftime.
Filip Kostic – 6.5
This was the Serbian’s best performance since joining the Bianconeri. Kept Hakimi at bay (at least for the majority of time) and provided good service for the men upfront as well as the assist for McKennie’s goal.
Arkadiusz Milik – 6
A hard-working display from the Pole who wasted a golden opportunity to put his team back on level terms as he saw his header saved by Donnarumma.
Dusan Vlahovic – 6
An almost identic performance to his striking partner. Fought for the team’s cause, but couldn’t translate his lone opportunity to a goal.
Juventus Substitutes
Weston McKennie – 7
The Texan replaced Miretti at halftime to produce an energetic display marked by a consolation goal. Although he’s not the tallest, he has a knack for winning air duels.
Mattia De Sciglio – 6
A decent display from the fullback who provided some cover on the left flank against Messi and company.
Manuel Locatelli – 6
The former Sassuolo midfielder almost grabbed the equalizer late in the match.
Moise Kean – N/A
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