Over the past decade, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has established itself as the face of French football, regularly dominating Ligue 1 and contending in the UEFA Champions League—though ultimate glory eluded them for various reasons. However, times have changed, and it now appears that PSG no longer holds a place among Europe’s elite teams.
Let’s take a look at this season’s Champions League. There are two French teams turning heads all over the continent, but shockingly enough, PSG is not one of them.
One familiar face in AS Monaco—the semi-finalists from the 2016-17 season when Kylian Mbappé burst onto the scene—has returned. Monaco have secured 10 points from their opening four fixtures, positioning themselves well for a strong finish, potentially even in the top eight.
The other standout is Brest, a true fairytale story for a club that wasn’t even in the French top flight until the 2019-20 season. They, too, have earned 10 points in as many games and, alongside Monaco, are proudly flying the French flag on Europe’s biggest stage, representing Ligue 1 with strength and spirit.
Monaco and Brest are third and fourth in the standings, respectively. PSG on the other hand, are 25th—out of the playoff spots.
PSG’s season began promisingly. They defeated Girona—another club enjoying fairytale success of late—1-0 at the Parc des Princes, but after that, their campaign unraveled.
A 2-0 loss to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven left the Parisians shell-shocked, which is why a win over Atletico Madrid earlier this week was crucial.
The Parc des Princes was buzzing and the ultras were in a hostile mood, ready to take on the battle to Diego Simeone’s hardened warriors. And things actually went off to a good start for the home side. Warren Zaire-Emery scored in the 14th minute, lifting hopes of a European resurgence in the French capital.
It’s over. #UCL | #PSGATM (1-2) pic.twitter.com/IRevhpQXm9
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 6, 2024
But a poor display from that point on left PSG shell-shocked, as Nahuel Molina equalized just five minutes later. The final blow came in the 93rd minute when Ángel Correa scored, following some questionable goalkeeping from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG, a team in disarray, no longer look like favorites for Europe’s elite prize. Domestically, they continue to lead Ligue 1, sitting six points clear of second-placed Marseille and third-placed Monaco. However, to compete in Europe, a complete overhaul of their current project may be necessary.
