PSG in the knockout stages of the Champions League, it's possible.
In fact, it is likely.
If they gave up the lead of Group A by letting the victory slip away in the last moments in Leipzig (2-2), the Parisians have a total of eight points before facing Manchester City on Wednesday (9 p.m.), at the Etihad Stadium.
One less than their English hosts (9 pts), but four more than the third in the pool, Bruges (4 pts), which they will receive on December 7 during the sixth and final day.
While knowing that RB Leipzig (1 pt), red lantern in this group, can already aim only for a runner-up in the Europa League.
To discover
Champions League fixtures and results
Champions League standings
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Not that easy…
Clearly, Mauricio Pochettino's players would be mathematically guaranteed to participate in the final phase of C1 by winning in Manchester, regardless of the result of Bruges against Leipzig at the same time, in Belgium.
The three points would also allow them to take a huge option on first place, synonymous with a round of 16 a priori more affordable in the spring and especially with the return match at the Parc des Princes.
We remind you that Paris came out of the group stage for the last nine editions of the Big Ears Cup, including the last three as the first.
One chance at the draw, one at the scratch
In the event of a draw at the Etihad Stadium, Paris Saint-Germain could also record its presence in the 8th on Wednesday.
But only if the Belgian champions do not win against the vice-champions of Germany.
Finally, Paris would automatically qualify if Brugge lost against the Red Bulls, even in the event of a defeat on the field of City.
If necessary, the Skyblues would also be assured of finishing first in group A and their qualification would be recorded in any case this Wednesday if Bruges does not win against Leipzig.
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Obviously, if they did not manage to stamp their ticket for the 8th on Wednesday, the Parisians would be entitled to a catch-up session on the last day. In this case, the match against Bruges would look like the round of 16. But Stanley Nsoki's teammates will have only one option to overtake the 2020 European vice-champions on the line: win on the meadow at the Porte de Saint-Cloud. Hence the fact that Marquinhos' troops already have a foothold in the next round: a point against Bruges will suffice. Even if, as Thomas Tuchel underlined in his time, “
almost qualified, it is not qualified
”…
The scenarios that send PSG to the 8th from this Wednesday
:
- Victory against Manchester City
- Draw against City, if Bruges does not beat Leipzig
- Defeat against City, if Bruges loses against Leipzig
If they do not qualify after the fifth day, the Parisians will only need a draw against Bruges on December 7, at the Parc des Princes, to stamp their ticket in the 8th.
