Manchester United lost 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League at Old Trafford Stadium on Tuesday (12/2) local time.
Both teams drew 0-0 in the first round. At the beginning of the second half, Man United attacked PSG by relying on Marcus Rashford’s speed through long passes. But the England striker has little support from both winger Alexis Sanchez and Juan Mata.
PSG controlled the game more in the second half. The French capital team pressed Man United from the center of the side which developed a flank with a cross.
In the 53rd minute PSG almost broke into De Gea’s goal when Kylian Mbappe’s header from Dani Alves’s pass was pushed over by the Spanish goalkeeper.
The awaited goal was born in the 53rd minute through the foot of defender Presnel Kimpembe who took advantage of Angel di Maria’s corner. Kimpembe scored after escaping from Nemanja Matic’s escort.
Di Maria had received terror from supporters of Man United when he would take a corner in the 55th minute. Seen a bottle thrown into the field.
Substitutions of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard with Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez in the second round made the flow of Man United’s attack irregular.
The danger alarm was sent by Ander Herrera to PSG in the 59th minute. The Spanish midfielder’s volley kick was just thin on the right side of Buffon’s goal.
Kylian Mbappe brought PSG 2-0 up in the 61st minute. Di Maria’s horizontal cross from the left side utilizing a hole in the Man United defense can be used by Mbappe through cheating his right foot.
After appearing great in the first round, Ashley Young actually made several blunders that endanger Man United’s goal. PSG players freely pressured the Reds Devils from the right side of the opponent’s defense because Young was often left behind.
In this second half Man United seemed to have difficulty creating opportunities. There were no shots on target at Buffon’s goal by Victor Lindelof and friends. PSG who won 2-0 appeared loose and defensive discipline.
Bad luck for Man United increased after its flagship midfielder Paul Pogba was red carded in the 89th minute after receiving a second yellow card for violating violently Dani Alves. PSG also won 2-0 in the first leg as well as a profit for the second leg which was held on March 6.
Player composition:
Man United: David de Gea; Ashley Young, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw; Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic; Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial; Marcus Rashford.
PSG: Gianluigi Buffon; Thilo Kehrer, Thiago Silva, Presnel Kimpembe, Juan Bernat; Marco Verratti, Marquinhos, Julian Drexler; Dani Alves, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria.
