AC Milan-PSG: eternal Giroud, San Siro on fire, Mbappé extinguished… Favorites and scratches

FAVORITES

Olivier Giroud, obviously. Beyond his deflection play, his efforts, these experienced free kicks, the top scorer of the France team did what he does best, score. Taking advantage of the Parisian apathy, he rose above Milan Skriniar to place a header that hit the mark. Eternal. A goal that is worth a lot since it allows Milan, winner on Tuesday (2-1), to get back into the race for qualification. The four teams stand in three small points before the last two days (the classification of group F, the results and the calendar here). Note the astonishing match of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and the masterclass of Rafael Leao.

We expected a stormy reception. We were not disappointed. San Siro accompanied the entry of the “mercenary” Donnarumma with a memorable bronca for the warm-up. Bronca before, during and after the match. All with showers of counterfeit “dollarumma” notes which fell from the stands, as expected. In these conditions, the Italian international goalkeeper could have faltered. He's not really known for his mental strength... That wasn't the case. In fact, he was the best Parisian on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO – All PSG goals against Montpellier on November 3 (3-0)

What a stadium, what an atmosphere! As soon as we arrive at the outskirts of San Siro, we feel dizzy. Imposing, massive, gigantic enclosure, a fortress from the Middle Ages. Impression confirmed by entering the corridors, a stadium in its juices but which is impressive. Its steep stands were ignited throughout the match, the supporters, those of the fiery Curva Sud in the lead, singing like madmen from start to finish. What a treat... After St-James' Park at the beginning of October, the Champions League allowed us to experience a huge European atmosphere in a legendary stadium. Next trip to Dortmund on December 13. It will be for the last day of the group stage. Perhaps a decisive match for qualification. However, PSG would already be in the round of 16 if it beats Newcastle at the Parc des Princes and Borussia dominates Milan on the fifth day.

CLAW STRIKES

We could talk about the Randal Kolo Muani case, the clumsiness of Ousmane Dembélé (who had a good first period), but above all there is Kylian Mbappé, of whom we have the right to be more severe than with the others. And for good reason, he is a world-class player, perhaps the best in the world. As much at Newcastle, his teammates had not found him. This time, “KM” had the opportunities. Particularly in the first period, twice face-to-face with Mike Maignan, including in the 15th minute after this caviar from “Dembouz”. The Milan defense took it well, better than that of PSG did with Rafael Leao. But there was room. And if Paris returned to the locker room at 2-1, it's not the same story. “He missed a lot of things,” summarized Mbappé, who appeared in front of journalists for the first time this season. Lots of things, including his skill in front of goal.

After a disorganized first period, Milan closed the store. In fact, Stefano Pioli's players left the bus after their second goal, the work of Giroud. And PSG never found the key. A PSG which clearly lacked character. No desire, no character. It takes it to survive in such an atmosphere and against a team that was starving and absolutely needed to take three points. The Parisians missed it. This is often the case far from their base: in their last 11 European away matches, Paris Saint-Germain has a record of two wins, three draws and six defeats. This is clearly not enough.

Certainly, he was coming off a great performance against Montpellier. But overall, Manuel Ugarte is really down after a sparkling start to the season. Back to earth? Breakdown? Time will tell. In the meantime, the Uruguayan midfielder was crushed by his Milanese opponents, lacking impact, being pushed around. Luis Enrique took him out on the hour mark with the other players informed at that time. As far as Ugarte is concerned, the yellow card was not the only reason for his replacement... When we talk about a PSG which lacked character, we necessarily turn to Manuel Ugarte, who must provide that.

The match definitely changed in the 52nd minute, with Giroud's victorious header. Let’s pull the thread of this action. Hakimi comes to stand in front of Leao... and calls for a foul. The game continues, the ball returns to Théo Hernandez, who crosses for his French teammate. The latter gets the better of Skriniar too easily, and Hernandez can cross too easily. PSG did not have the head in the game, hoping for a whistle which never came. “The experience must help the players to tell themselves that from the moment the action has not stopped, they must stay in the game,” insists David Ginola, on Canal. I'm not going to say that it's a professional mistake, but to concede a goal like that, at that moment of the match and you lose 2-1 at the end, you have the right to ask yourself questions... You don't 'you have no right to stop!' It is said.