Kylian Mbappe must have imagined lifting the Champions League trophy for Paris St-Germain as his final European feat. However, the reality was starkly different.
In what turned out to be Mbappe’s final Champions League appearance for PSG, he slipped while chasing a ball he had no chance of reaching, symbolizing the team’s defeat. Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 aggregate victory was secured through a solid defensive performance and a bit of luck.
Since Qatar Sports Investment assumed control of PSG in 2011, their primary objective has been conquering Europe, backed by increasingly extravagant spending.
The ambition escalated in 2017 with the world-record signing of Neymar from Barcelona, followed by Mbappe’s acquisition a year later, fresh off his World Cup triumph with France.
Tastes like fine wine 🍷 https://t.co/lxnBFC4yPh
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 7, 2024
In 2021, the dream seemed within reach as Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, joined on a free transfer. With such a star-studded attacking trio, PSG appeared poised to claim their maiden Champions League title.
However, none of the trio will remain in Paris come summer, dispersed to various corners of the globe, with no Champions League trophy to show for their time at Parc des Princes.
Despite dominating domestically, winning six out of seven Ligue 1 titles and other domestic trophies, PSG have consistently fallen short in Europe. Since 2017, they’ve only progressed beyond the last 16 three times – reaching the final in 2020, the semis in the subsequent season, and the current campaign.
PSG’s recent defeat to Dortmund is emblematic of their Champions League struggles, failing to score against the Bundesliga’s fifth-placed team despite numerous opportunities. Their inability to convert chances, highlighted by hitting the woodwork multiple times, underscores their failure to perform when it matters most.
11 YEARS IN THE MAKING HEJA BVB WE OUT TO WEMBLEY AHHHHHHHHHHHH pic.twitter.com/LRAZsr0M3u
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 7, 2024
Despite these setbacks, there are glimpses of promise for PSG. They’ve demonstrated resilience throughout the 2023-24 Champions League campaign, staging comebacks and showcasing their manager’s tactical acumen.
Looking ahead, PSG’s youthful starting lineup in the Champions League semi-final signals a strategic shift towards building for the future, indicative of their manager’s long-term vision.