Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League after drawing with Monaco “2-2” in the second leg, benefiting from its victory in the first leg to achieve victory with a score of “5-4” on aggregate, but the level in which the team appeared was not satisfactory, as was indicated by the French newspapers after the match.
L’Equipe newspaper chose a harsh headline, “Without Glory,” and described Paris as a “sleeper” who achieved a qualification that it considered “worrying.”
On the other hand, Le Parisien newspaper took a more frank tone with the headline “Nothing to be proud of,” and talked about a team that “struggled hard” to eliminate Monaco, stressing that Paris did not present the level it used to appear in previous European stages, whether in terms of determination, control, or the ability to surprise the opponent with quick attacks. She added that Monaco excelled in crucial periods, including 45 minutes in the second leg and a difficult period in stoppage time, before concluding that Paris must return to its usual level if it wants to continue competing.
For its part, “Le Figaro” newspaper reported that Saint-Germain qualified for the round of 16 without presenting an “impressive or reassuring” performance, and described the team as appearing “confused,” while France Bleu Paris radio saw that the match was “complicated” for the defending champion.
The criticism also reached the television analysis, as Daniel Riolo stated on “RMC Sport” that Saint-Germain will not advance much in the Champions League if it does not regain the “engine” on which last season’s team was built, with a particular focus on the midfield.
