Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were handed a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Girona, thanks to a costly error from goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, in their opening Champions League fixture on Wednesday night.
Despite dominating possession with over 60% and attempting 24 shots, PSG struggled to find the back of the net at the Parc des Princes. It looked like the European debutants Girona would earn a valuable point, until a low cross from Nuno Mendes slipped under Gazzaniga and into the net in the 90th minute.
It was a harsh end for Girona, making their first-ever appearance in Europe following a remarkable third-place finish in La Liga last season.
PSG, who missed several chances throughout the second half, were on the brink of another scoreless night in Europe, reminiscent of last season’s semi-final against Borussia Dortmund, where they failed to score over two legs.
The late goal, however, ensured a winning start to Luis Enrique’s campaign as PSG look to better their semi-final finish last season and lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
This year’s Champions League format has undergone a significant transformation, with clubs playing eight matches against different teams in the group phase. The top eight progress to the last 16, while teams placed ninth to 24th will compete in a play-off to determine the remaining last-16 spots.
PSG’s next match sees them travel to Arsenal, with other group stage opponents including Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Luis Enrique has called PSG’s fixture list one of the toughest in the competition. Girona, who next face Feyenoord at home, will take confidence from their resilient performance.
PSG have adjusted well to life without former star Kylian Mbappe, winning their first four Ligue 1 matches this season, netting 16 goals in the process. However, Girona—despite losing key players after last season and suffering a heavy defeat to Barcelona last weekend—made life difficult for the Parisian side.
In a stadium partially closed as punishment for pyrotechnic use during last season’s semi-final, PSG missed several key players. First-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was absent, allowing Matvey Safonov to make his PSG debut, while Marco Asensio was forced off injured before half-time, with Randal Kolo Muani replacing him.
Girona’s best chance came seven minutes into the second half when Cristhian Stuani’s header was saved by Safonov. Moments later, PSG’s Ousmane Dembele embarked on a dazzling run but was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Ladislav Krejci.
Dembele came close twice more, first thwarted by Gazzaniga and then hitting the woodwork. Kolo Muani also missed a golden chance after a brilliant turn in the box, while Achraf Hakimi’s point-blank effort was saved by the heroic Gazzaniga.
But Gazzaniga’s night ended in disaster as he let Mendes’ low cross slip under his body in the dying moments, handing PSG the victory.