Finalist in the 1997 Cup with PSG, Benoît Cauet followed this semi-final of the Champions League. The former Parisian appreciated the domination of Thomas Tuchel's men over the Germans of RB Leipzig (3-0).
Did PSG deserve its success?
BENOÎT CAUET. Totally, Paris dominated both halves, there is no picture between the two teams. Leipzig tried to put together an interesting animation. This team has acceleration and percussion capabilities. But in the end, it was a disciplined and organized PSG who played on his qualities. They dominated this game from start to finish.
Maintaining the middle three, with Herrera, was it decisive?
Yes, because the Germans have an impressive acceleration force and their ability in the transition has not worked. This is thanks to the defensive curtain organized around Marquinhos, Herrera and Paredes. They have like filtered the game with very little waste and loss of ball. On the contrary, on the balloons lost by Leipzig, the high block of Paris made it possible to create immediately dangerous situations. We saw it with the second goal that comes from an error that the Leipzig goalkeeper cannot know at this level of competition. But it is also because Paris pushed the Germans to the fault.
Di Maria was voted man of the match. Was he the key element in this semi-final?
He is a fundamental player in the Paris workforce. He has generosity in the effort and a left foot which makes huge differences. He was again decisive by being a passer and a goalscorer. He has been a constant danger for Leipzig. He also has the ability to work constantly for his team. The fact that he got him back is huge news for PSG. Like the fact that Verratti was able to come into play for a few minutes. Looking ahead to the final, this is excellent news. All the lights are green for the final.
Paris was full of confidence. Does he present himself as the favorite for the Champions League?
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We'll see if it's Bayern or if it's Lyon on Sunday. If it's OL, Paris will be the favorites. The last confrontations have often been in the direction of PSG. Against Bayern, it will certainly be the opposite. But the most important thing is that Paris accomplished the mission it had set itself when reaching the final. The performances in Paris are very encouraging. But when a final comes, both teams are very strong. It will be up to PSG to play its game.
25 years after the only PSG semi-final in which you participated, Paris proves that it has finally become a great European?
By dint of slapping, things change. PSG have been criticized a lot in recent years for not confirming their potential or their good results in the group stage. Tonight (Editor's note: Tuesday evening) , we must congratulate them. Paris did exactly what it had to do. Now we have to finish the work in the final.
