Is it too early to talk about the Champions League knockout rounds Not really for Paris Saint Germain because this season already feels different and for fans tracking elite European form through places like Crickex Sign Up the contrast with last year is obvious. Their performance in the opening phase of the competition has been far stronger than the previous campaign partly helped by kinder circumstances after last season’s brutal draw. All signs point toward PSG advancing comfortably and very likely going straight into the round of sixteen without the need for any playoff.
Looking back at last season’s knockout journey there was a clear sense of progression. Against Liverpool PSG played well but paid the price for failing to score at home and ultimately went out. By the time they faced Aston Villa in the quarterfinals the team looked calmer and more assured even while losing one leg. When matches followed against Arsenal and Inter the feeling was that momentum was already on their side and things were falling into place.
The most nerve wracking moment came in the second leg against Liverpool when 120 minutes ended level on aggregate and penalties were required. Despite dominating open play across both legs PSG were dragged into a shootout they would rather have avoided. The tension was real yet Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered when it mattered and PSG won 4 to 1 from the spot proving once again that fortune favors the brave.
That run eventually denied Donnarumma further chances to showcase his penalty heroics as PSG’s surge continued. This season however the overall rhythm has not quite matched the unstoppable force seen late last year. Whether they can navigate knockouts with the same ease remains to be seen but if two leg ties end level PSG have little reason to panic because even without Donnarumma they now have Lucas Chevalier.
A thrilling 6 to 3 final once again highlighted how Chevalier should be used. In the French Super Cup PSG edged Marseille in dramatic fashion with Ramos scoring deep into stoppage time to force penalties. Chevalier saved two spot kicks and PSG prevailed 4 to 1 adding another trophy to the cabinet.
The same script had already played out earlier in the season in the European Super Cup when PSG drew 2 to 2 with Tottenham after extra time before Chevalier stepped up in the shootout. Two finals two penalty victories and two trophies speak volumes about his impact.
When PSG signed Chevalier he was viewed mainly as a ball playing goalkeeper suited to Enrique’s system. Four months on his value has expanded far beyond that role. Twice PSG trailed in finals and twice penalties decided the outcome showing that this team may not be as overwhelming as the one that demolished Inter 5 to 0 but still knows how to survive.
So when the Champions League knockouts arrive and PSG find themselves level over two legs should there be fear With Chevalier between the posts and confidence built through moments like those relived by fans via Crickex Sign Up pressure may well shift to the opponent. Penalty shootouts are never guaranteed yet after two defining performances Chevalier has already planted doubt in the minds of future takers and sometimes that edge is all football needs.