Atletico Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in a crucial Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes, with substitute Angel Correa netting the last-minute winner. This victory propelled Atletico into a stronger position in their group, while casting serious doubts over PSG's European ambitions.
The match had looked destined for a draw after an early goal by PSG's Warren Zaire-Emery was canceled out by Nahuel Molina's strike for Atletico. However, despite dominating possession with nearly 70% and registering 21 attempts on goal, PSG failed to convert their chances. Atletico, who had struggled in recent matches, were content to absorb pressure and look for counter-attacks.
PSG took the lead in the 14th minute after Atletico defender Clement Lenglet, starting in place of the injured Jose Maria Gimenez, was dispossessed by Ousmane Dembele. Dembele then passed to Zaire-Emery, who calmly scored. Atletico responded quickly, leveling the score just minutes later when a cross from Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico's manager Diego Simeone, was deflected off a PSG defender and fell to Molina for a simple finish.
Despite controlling much of the game, PSG could not find the second goal they needed. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak was called into action multiple times in the second half, saving efforts from Bradley Barcola, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi, and also keeping out a Lee Kang-in shot in injury time.
With the clock ticking down, Atletico seized their opportunity. A counter-attack in the dying moments of the match saw Correa slot the ball past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, securing a vital three points for the Spanish side.
The loss leaves PSG in a precarious position in Group B, with just four points from four matches, including a home loss to Atletico. Having also drawn with PSV Eindhoven and lost to Arsenal, PSG's hopes of advancing to the knockout stages now look uncertain, especially with tough upcoming matches against Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Atletico, who had been struggling with back-to-back losses to Benfica and Lille, will now be hopeful of securing a spot in the play-off round, with their first win of the campaign giving them renewed confidence.
Before the match, PSG fans displayed a large banner in support of Palestinians in Gaza, which may attract UEFA’s attention for potential disciplinary action. However, this issue will likely take a backseat to PSG's more pressing concerns following their disappointing result.
Key Stats:
- PSG: 21 shots, 69% possession, 1 goal
- Atletico Madrid: 1 shot on target, 31% possession, 2 goals
- Goals: Zaire-Emery (14') for PSG, Molina (18') for Atletico, Correa (93') for Atletico
- Atletico Madrid’s Oblak made multiple crucial saves to keep PSG at bay.
