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Mbappe powerless to stop PSG suffering another away UCL loss

Published

11 months ago

November 8, 2023

Rapheal Godwin

PSG player ratings vs AC Milan: Kylian Mbappe powerless and Manuel Ugarte overrun in another concerning Champions League away loss

The superstar France forward was blanked as Luis Enrique’s side dropped their second straight road game in Europe

There is something about Paris Saint-Germain and Champions League away games this season. Although the Parisians are a fearsome side at home, their form away from Parc des Princes has been alarming, and so it proved on Tuesday, as they surrendered an early lead to a rampant AC Milan side. And it happened in perhaps the most puzzling way possible, with Kylian Mbappe left anonymous as the Parisians lost 2-1.

Luis Enrique’s side took the lead inside 10 minutes as one centre-back combined with the other, Marquinhos flicking a corner to the far post, where an unmarked Milan Skriniar nodded home from close range. But the Milan response was swift, Rafael Leao providing it with an acrobatic volley inside the six-yard box to tie the game early.

PSG nearly had a second midway through the opening period, only to see Mike Maignan deny Mbappe as he ran through on goal. Ousmane Dembele, too, came close, rattling the bar with a curled effort.

But it was Milan who grabbed the next goal, as Olivier Giroud peeled away at the back post and met Theo Hernandez’s cross with a thumping header early in the second half. Their chances multiplied from there, the Rossoneri midfield simply outrunning a lifeless Parisian outfit. By the end of it all, the visitors were pinging balls to Mbappe and praying for a European miracle — one that never arrived.

90minsoccer rates PSG’s players from San Siro…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Booed by the home support from the first minute. Perhaps could have done better on the opener, but was helpless on the second. Made a few sharp saves to rescue what was otherwise a miserable homecoming.

Achraf Hakimi

Given all sorts of problems by Leao, who was excellent on the night. Didn’t offer his usual quality in the final third, either.

Marquinhos

Assisted the first, but then obstructed his keeper’s view on the Milan equaliser. Held his position well and distributed effectively.

Milan Skriniar

The former Inter defender opened the scoring, but was outjumped by a 37-year-old Giroud for Milan’s second. Lucky not to see red after putting in a number of challenges that should have earned him bookings.

Lucas Hernandez

Picked up a silly booking in the second half and didn’t deal with the lively Pulisic. Removed after 65 minutes.

Midfield

Manuel Ugarte

Dispossessed consistently, and struggled against Loftus-Cheek in the middle. A forgettable night.

Warren Zaire-Emery

Struggled to find a foothold against an impressive Milan midfield. A few nice moments, but he was ultimately overrun.

Vitinha

Very tidy on the ball, and linked up well with the forward line. Lacked the grit required in such an intense game.

Attack

Ousmane Dembele

Dangerous on the ball, but tried to go alone a lot. Rattled the bar with a curled effort in the first half, which was pretty much his only threatening moment in the final third. World-class — until he gets into key areas.

Randal Kolo Muani

A disappointing hour from the Frenchman. Enjoyed some solid moments, but didn’t get involved enough.

Kylian Mbappe

On the ball a lot, only to be met with a swarm of Milan defenders. Misfired on a one-on-one in the first half, wasting his only good chance of the night.

Subs & Manager

Fabian Ruiz

Helped his team find a foothold in the middle, without really offering any game-changing moments.

Lee Kang-In

Offered an injection of quality and intensity.

Goncalo Ramos

Came on for Kolo Muani, who appears to have sealed his spot in the XI. Didn’t get on the ball much.

Nordi Mukiele

Offered an extended go of things to relieve Hernandez.

Luis Enrique

Went back to a 4-3-3, but found his side outmatched in the middle. PSG couldn’t deal with Milan’s pace or intensity, and will need to consider how this keeps happening on the road.