x

International

Champions League: Bayern Looking for “Mini-Upset” at PSG

PARIS — PSG did a terrible job defending against Bayern Munich last week, conceding 31 shots. PSG still won the game 3-2, but the likely absence of stalwart defender and captain Marquinhos for Tuesday's second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal is raising concerns at the French league champions. 

The Brazil player remains doubtful with an injury to his right adductor muscle and did not train with his teammates on Monday. Marquinhos scored PSG's second goal from Neymar's assist in Munich but had to be replaced at the half-hour mark and missed PSG's latest French league game over the weekend because of the injury. 

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said a decision on whether Marquinhos will play won't be taken before Tuesday. If his absence is confirmed, Pochettino is expected to start Presnel Kimpembe and Danilo Pereira in the heart of the defense.

"We all know Marquinhos' qualities, he is our defense leader," Kimpembe told a press conference on Monday. "He is our captain. If he is not there, it will be a big hole, although there are many great players in this squad to cover for his absence."

In a repeat of last year's final, PSG was outplayed for long stretches of the match but came out on top of the encounter thanks to the individual brilliance of players like Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice. Bayern was made to pay for its profligacy but showed it has the quality required to turn around the tie.

Pochettino admitted his team suffered in the opening leg as Bayern managed to carve open PSG's flanks too easily.

"It's certainly one of their skills and we need to do better in that sector," Pochettino said, adding that the contest remains very open despite PSG's win in the first leg. "Bayern is the best team in the world at the moment. We have enormous respect for them, but at the same time, we have confidence in our strengths, and we know that we have to think about winning this match."

The good news for PSG is that the defending champions will also be without important players including forward Robert Lewandowski, Corentin Tolisso and winger Serge Gnabry. Bayern was held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Union Berlin over the weekend but Hansi Flick's side was so dominant in the first leg it remains confident a comeback is possible. 

"We want to cause a mini upset in Paris," Flick said. "Of course, we'll be delighted if we manage that."

RELATED

NYON, Switzerland  — A three-goal spree in six second-half minutes lifted Olympiacos to a first European title for Greek soccer clubs on Monday after beating AC Milan 3-0 in the UEFA Youth League final.

Top Stories

Columnists

A pregnant woman was driving in the HOV lane near Dallas.

General News

NEW YORK – Meropi Kyriacou, the new Principal of The Cathedral School in Manhattan, was honored as The National Herald’s Educator of the Year.

Video

A Palestinian Baby in Gaza is Born an Orphan in an Urgent Cesarean Section after an Israeli Strike

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Sabreen Jouda came into the world seconds after her mother left it.

ATHENS - Throughout 2023, Intrakat Group executed its strategic plan with remarkable success, witnessing robust performance across all business segments.

ATHENS - Athens International Airport once again secures top honors in Europe for its marketing prowess and market development initiatives, as recognized by airline voters in the over 20 million passengers category at the Routes Europe 2024 conference held in Aarhus, Denmark.

Despite constant efforts to show it’s not a haven for the rich and criminals to hide their cash, Cyprus was once again rebuked for money laundering and financial interests, this time by the European Commission.

Enter your email address to subscribe

Provide your email address to subscribe. For e.g. [email protected]

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in our newsletter.