PSG vs Girona ended in a dramatic 1-0 victory for Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to a late error from Girona’s goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga in their Champions League debut on Wednesday.
PSG dominated possession with over 60% and attempted 24 shots, but the game seemed headed for a draw at Parc des Princes. In the 90th minute, a low cross from Nuno Mendes slipped under Gazzaniga, gifting PSG the decisive goal.
For Girona, it was a cruel end to their first-ever Champions League match. The team qualified for Europe after an impressive third-place finish in La Liga last season.
PSG, frustrated by missed chances, appeared set for another scoreless night in Europe. Last season, they failed to find the net in both legs of their semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund.
However, this late goal maintained PSG’s perfect start under Luis Enrique. The team aims to go beyond last season’s semi-final finish and capture their first Champions League title.
This season’s Champions League features a new format, with each team playing eight games against eight different opponents in the league phase. The top eight advance to the last 16, while teams ranked from 9th to 24th will enter a play-off to determine the remaining last-16 spots.
PSG’s next game will be away to Arsenal, while future opponents include Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Girona, after this tough loss, will host Feyenoord, optimistic about making an impact in their European campaign.
Gazzaniga’s Moment of Glory Turns to Disaster
PSG began the season well after Kylian Mbappe’s departure, winning their first four Ligue 1 matches and netting 16 goals. However, Girona, despite a recent loss to Barcelona and key player exits, made life difficult for long periods.
Girona held firm against PSG’s early pressure, playing in a stadium where one end was closed as punishment for pyrotechnic use in last season’s semi-final.
PSG, missing regular goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, gave Matfey Safonov his debut. Marco Asensio was forced off before halftime due to injury, with Randal Kolo Muani replacing him.
Most of the action happened in the second half. Safonov made a key save, denying a header from Girona captain Cristhian Stuani seven minutes into the half.
PSG’s Ousmane Dembele, their new attacking star after Mbappe’s departure, ran the length of the field but was stopped by a brilliant tackle from Ladislav Krejci. Moments later, Gazzaniga denied Dembele, who also struck the post in quick succession.
As the pressure mounted, Kolo Muani skillfully turned inside the box but sent his shot just wide. Achraf Hakimi was also denied by a fine Gazzaniga save from close range.
However, in the dying moments, Gazzaniga went from hero to villain. He allowed Mendes’ low cross to slip under his body, sealing PSG’s 1-0 win in this PSG vs Girona encounter.
