Kylian Mbappe would have envisioned lifting the Champions League trophy for Paris St-Germain in his final European appearance for the club. However, the reality was starkly different.
In a game that was already out of reach for PSG, Mbappe’s last moments in the competition were marked by a slip as he chased a ball he was unlikely to reach. This moment came in the final seconds of injury time, sealing Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 aggregate victory.
Dortmund secured their win with a solid defensive performance, characterized by energetic pressing and aided by a stroke of luck.
When Qatar Sports Investment took over PSG in 2011, their primary objective became winning the Champions League, leading to significant spending.
The pursuit intensified in 2017 with the world-record signing of Neymar from Barcelona, followed by Mbappe’s arrival a year later after winning the World Cup with France.
In 2021, signing Lionel Messi seemed to bring the dream closer. However, despite the star-studded lineup, PSG failed to secure the Champions League.
Since 2017, PSG has dominated domestically, winning six out of seven Ligue 1 titles and multiple domestic cups. However, European success has eluded them, reaching the final once and the semifinals twice.
Their recent defeat to Dortmund highlights their Champions League struggles, with the team failing to convert numerous chances. This loss underscores PSG’s inability to perform at their best in crucial Champions League moments.
Despite these setbacks, there are positives. PSG has shown resilience, notably in their comeback against Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
Manager Luis Enrique is building for the future, evident in PSG’s youthful lineup in the semi-finals. While their Champions League dreams remain unfulfilled, PSG’s journey showcases their ambition and potential for future success.