PSG Dominate Girona in Pre-Season Friendly, Winning 1-0 with a Late Goal
The reigning French champions, Paris Saint-Germain, secured a 1-0 victory over Spanish La Liga side Girona FC in a pre-season friendly match played at the Estadi Montilivi on Wednesday. The game saw a dominant performance from the Parisians, with the winning goal coming in the 82nd minute from a penalty kick by Kylian Mbappé.
A Dominant Display from PSG
Throughout the match, PSG controlled the tempo, dictating the pace of play and creating several clear chances. They pressed high, disrupting Girona's build-up play and showcasing their superior technical abilities.
While PSG's new signing, Marco Asensio, didn't score, he was influential on the pitch. His impressive dribbling and passing skills helped unlock the Girona defense, proving to be a valuable addition to the team.
Late Penalty Decides the Match
The game remained scoreless for the majority of the match, despite PSG's constant pressure. The breakthrough finally came in the 82nd minute when a cross from Vitinha found its way to Asensio inside the penalty box. Asensio's attempt was blocked by the Girona goalkeeper, but the rebound fell to Mbappé who was brought down by a defender inside the penalty area.
Mbappé stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, giving PSG a deserved lead. The goal sealed the victory for the French giants, despite a late surge from Girona to equalize.
Implications for the Season
This pre-season victory will boost confidence for PSG as they head into the new season. The team showcased their offensive firepower and their ability to control possession against a strong La Liga opponent.
The arrival of Asensio, alongside the existing star power of Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi, makes PSG a formidable force in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
This friendly match was a valuable test for both teams, providing them with valuable insights ahead of the upcoming season. PSG will be hoping to translate this pre-season form into success on the pitch when the Ligue 1 season begins.
