On September 12, 2017, Celtic faced Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a UEFA Champions League group stage match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. PSG delivered a dominant performance, securing a 5-0 victory, highlighting their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Celtic: 0
- Paris Saint-Germain: 5 (Neymar 19′, Kylian Mbappé 34′, Edinson Cavani 40′ (pen.), Mikael Lustig 83′ (own goal), Edinson Cavani 85′)
- Possession:
- PSG controlled the game with 61% possession, while Celtic managed 39%. PSG’s superior ball retention allowed them to consistently apply pressure and dictate the game’s tempo.
- Shots:
- PSG had 13 shots, with 9 on target, demonstrating high efficiency in front of goal. Celtic struggled offensively, registering 7 shots with only 1 on target, reflecting their difficulties in breaking down PSG’s defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- PSG displayed exceptional passing with a 91% accuracy, completing 671 passes out of 739 attempts. Celtic, under pressure, completed 403 passes out of 488 attempts, achieving an 83% accuracy.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Celtic made 13 tackles, while PSG made 16, indicating a disciplined defensive effort from both sides. Celtic committed 15 fouls compared to PSG’s 11, showcasing their attempts to disrupt PSG’s play.
- Set Pieces:
- PSG capitalized on a penalty awarded for a foul on Edinson Cavani, who converted the spot-kick. Celtic struggled to create meaningful chances from their set pieces.
- Individual Performances:
- Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Edinson Cavani were standout performers for PSG, each scoring and showcasing their attacking synergy. Cavani’s brace and Neymar’s opening goal set the tone for PSG’s dominance. Celtic’s defensive efforts were undermined by an own goal from Mikael Lustig.
- Tactical Overview:
- PSG employed a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing their attacking trio of Neymar, Mbappé, and Cavani. This setup overwhelmed Celtic’s defense, which struggled to cope with PSG’s pace and technical skill. Celtic, deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, aimed to counterattack but found limited success.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards: two for Celtic (Scott Brown 29′, Nir Bitton 75′) and one for PSG (Marquinhos 43′), reflecting a fairly disciplined game despite the scoreline.
- Corners and Offsides:
- PSG won 4 corners compared to Celtic’s 3, maintaining pressure throughout the match. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating vigilant defensive lines.
Summary
PSG’s commanding 5-0 victory over Celtic highlighted their superior attacking quality and defensive organization. The French side’s forward trio were particularly effective, combining pace, skill, and precision to dismantle Celtic’s defense. Celtic, despite a valiant effort, were unable to cope with the intensity and quality of their opponents. PSG’s performance underscored their status as strong contenders in the Champions League, while Celtic faced a challenging campaign ahead in the group stage.
