PSG survive stern Valencia examination
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E-mail Xinhua, March 7, 2013
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Paris Saint Germain players celebrate after Ezequiel Lavezzi scored the equalizer. |
Paris Saint Germain qualified for the last eight of the Champions League 3-2 on aggregate after a 1- 1 draw at home with Valencia on Wednesday night in a game in which the Spanish side perhaps deserved a better result for their never- say-die attitude.
Although they had been comprehensively outplayed by the big- spending French side in the opening match between the two sides, it was clear that Valencia had not travelled to Paris with an inferiority complex.
Knowing they needed to score at least two goals to have any chance of qualifying, Ernesto Valverde's side looked to take the game to their rivals from the start, perhaps mindful that the suspension of Paris striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovich had left the French team without their most charismatic and decisive player.
Jonas Goncalves and Roberto Soldado, who saw a low drive well saved by PSG goalkeeper, Salvator Sirigu, gave the first warnings for Valencia against a side that looked happy to look for the chance to play on the break, despite being in front of their own fans.
PSG were forced into a change before the half hour when right back Christophe Jallet was forced out of the game through injury and was replaced by Van de Wiel.
Valencia continued to look dangerous with Sofiane Feghouli enjoying space on the right, but some dangerous crosses were well dealt with by the Paris defense.
A brusque challenge by Valencia central defender, Victor Ruiz after 37 minutes earned him a booking and left Blaise Matudi struggling with a knock to his ribs and David Beckham began warming up on the touchline as a precaution.
Jonas saw another shot saved as Valencia continued to attack, but the half ended with Paris again looking a threat on the break.
Valencia had deserved a goal for their first half courage and Jonas got them right back into the tie 10 minutes into the second half with a powerful shot from outside of the area which went in next to the post.
Valverde looked for pace in attack and swapped Pablo Piatti for Feghouli, who had run his socks off in the first hour.
Paris equalized after 65 minutes with a scrambled goal from Ezequiel Lavezzi after Dani Parejo had lost the ball in the Valencia midfield. The goal meant a second goal would not see Valencia directly into the quarter finals, but would take them to extra time and Valverde introduced Ever Banega to give more midfield control to a side whose failure to produce a decent cross was proving to be their Achilles heel.
Nelson Valdez also came into the game for the closing minutes, but led by a powerful Alex in defense, Paris stopped the Spanish side from creating the clear cut chances they needed to force extra time.
That said Valencia can travel home with their heads held high, but the fact is they will now how to concentrate on their domestic competition.
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