Soccer: PSG’s below-par defence a cause for concern in Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain are unbeaten this season but after an electric start the French champions have slowed down with a defense that is showing worrying weaknesses.

PSG drew 1-1 in Champions League Group H on Tuesday courtesy of Lionel Messi’s first-half goal at Benfica, but also thanks to an excellent performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made up for a disappointing performance from his back three .

While 36-year-old Sergio Ramos has handled opponents well in Ligue 1, the Spanish giants suffer on the European stage, often overtaking and leaving too much room behind.

PSG’s Danilo Pereira, who scored his own goal to give Benfica a well-deserved equalizer, is clearly not playing at his best on the left side of the three-man central defence.

Marquinhos is making up for his colleagues’ shortcomings and consequently suffering physically as the defense’s performance contrasts with the front three—Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Messi and Mbappe still need to defend more as their lack of aggression, when PSG loses the ball high, midfielders Marco Verratti and Vitinha have to work too hard to defend the last three Is.

The Italian Verratti is doing a splendid job of dominating midfield, but his fitness is at risk and he was lucky to survive a serious injury after a rough tackle from Enzo Fernandez.

Without ‘Guffetto’ (Little Owl), PSG would not be the same and the last three would be more exposed.

PSG coach Christophe Gaultier was furious after the Benfica game, feeling he could lose his key player for weeks.

“The referee was not helped by his assistants and VAR. He (Verratti) could have broken his leg,” he said.

PSG struggled to handle Benfica’s pressing game and their full back was rarely in a position to threaten – something the Parisians will have to do to better manage the tough games.

“Our team was in good shape but struggled to cope without the pressure of the opponents. I have mixed feelings as we were talking about how to handle it with short passes between the lines, but it didn’t work out well does,” Gaultier said.

He said fullback Nuno Mendes would be out of action for “a few games” with a muscle problem.

PSG, who will host their comeback against Benfica next Tuesday, are at the top of the group seven points ahead of the Portuguese side on goals. Juventus are in third place with three points.

Originally published at Pen 18