It’s stronger than him. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) never does anything like the other clubs, especially not one evening of the knockout stages of the Champions League return.
Three years ago, he defied statistical laws, eliminated by FC Barcelona (1-6) when his first leg victory (4-0) gave him a 100% chance of qualifying according to all cases noted by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). This Wednesday, March 11, with their 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund, the Parisians found their way to the quarter-finals, more recognized by their GPS since 2016.
But not only. They also put on a funny show, that of a team that waited for a match behind closed doors (due to coronavirus) to communicate as ever with its supporters. Far from the eyes, but very close to the heart and a little from the eardrums, more than 3,000 of them answered the call of the Collectif ultras Paris (CUP) to come and encourage their players from outside the Parc des Princes. They sang, encouraged, pushed, lit smoke. They even touched defenseman Layvin Kurzawa, who came to bathe the crowd after qualifying. For a brief moment, the Covid-19 seemed far away and compliance with basic health rules, even more.
Incredible scene. Layvin Kurzawa comes in front of the Parc des Princes to celebrate victory with the supporters, present m… https://t.co/6iMZ27FFhx
"We have the best audience in the world"
After the qualification, the players marched on the microphone of RMC Sport alone (only the broadcast media were not affected by the complete closed session). Whatever the question, the answers took the form of thanks to their audience.
" This is unheard of. I've never seen that, stammered the captain, Marquinhos, imperial to his post – found – of axial defender. It is in difficulty that we see the values and passion for football. This is why we are here, to play for our love, our passion, our family and for them too. " PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi even went out of his media diet to greet those he considers to be "The best audience in the world".
With great fear, great relief and fiery declarations. Because yes, PSG has advanced the belly ball once again, like this student who has already "spruced up" three times in succession at this stage of his studies.
In the first leg in Germany, PSG had sunk. In the result a little (defeat 1-2), but especially in the manner and in (non) crisis management. We thus saw a Thomas Meunier ignore being under the threat of suspension in the event of a new yellow card and Neymar displaying extra pounds and moods in front of the cameras. The Brazilian then reproached his club for having put him under the hood after a minor injury, as the fear of another injury – at the wrong time – haunted the minds.
