PSG look much better without Mbappe

Even though they failed to score against Monaco in a 0-0 stalemate, Paris Saint-Germain seemed to improve without Kylian Mbappe on Friday in Ligue 1. The Luis Enrique controversy continues to simmer.

Mbappe did not help his team at all as they struggled to get going in the match at the Stade Louis-II, where Monaco looked more threatening than the Ligue 1 leaders. Luis Enrique decided to replace Mbappe at half-time instead of the ineffective Goncalo Ramos, and that changed the game in PSG’s favour.

PSG dominated the ball in the first half, with 70 per cent possession, but they did not create anything with it. Monaco had the better chances and Donnarumma had to make five saves before the break.

Monaco continued to press in the second half and had two shots from Ben Yedder blocked in the PSG area, but they did not get a penalty. Ben Yedder then hit the bar with a volley.
PSG took over the game after Mbappe’s substitution, with Kolo Muani, Beraldo, Nordi Mukiele and Bradley Barcola all testing Majecki from close range, but none of them scored. Vitinha also had a good shot, but Majecki saved it.

The goalkeepers were the heroes of the game, with many great saves, but Ben Yedder will regret missing his opportunities. Mbappe, on the other hand, should be ashamed after seeing his team perform better without him.

Star of the game

Donnarumma was the star of the show for PSG, as he thwarted Monaco’s attacks with six brilliant saves. The Italian keeper saved his team from a poor performance by their midfield and defence, who let Monaco dominate the game. Without him, PSG would have been trailing by a lot at half-time.

Ben Yedder tried hard to score for Monaco, but he was out of luck. He had many shots stopped or blocked, and he was denied two penalties - one for a handball and another when he was squeezed by two defenders. A draw against the Ligue 1 leaders will be a good outcome, but he could have been the hero. PSG will now focus on the second leg of their Champions League match against Real Sociedad. They travel to Spain on Tuesday with a 2-0 advantage from the first game, which gives them a great opportunity to reach the quarter-finals.