PSG vs Milan Highlights 2023: Champions League

On a vibrant Champions League night, when the stars of PSG and AC Milan collided, it wasn't just the French prodigy, Kylian Mbappe, who grabbed the limelight. A young maestro, 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery, emerged from the shadows, orchestrating two brilliant assists that left the Milan defence in tatters. But would Milan's sporadic flashes of brilliance stand against PSG's unyielding onslaught?

Young Blood Shines

At just 17, Warren Zaire-Emery was the star of the night. With Milan oscillating between energy and disorganization, Zaire-Emery provided PSG with the spark they needed, notching two crucial assists. His performance showcased his potential, finishing with an impressive 42/47 passes and creating four chances. Notably, he picked up his third assist with a brilliant play, setting up Kang-In Lee's goal. His ability to recover eight loose balls also underlined his commitment and work rate throughout the match. His astounding vision and control in the middle third set him apart from players twice his age.

Milan's Struggle in Attack

Although Milan showed glimpses of their might, they were often let down in the attacking third. Rafael Leao, in particular, looked isolated. Instead of connecting with his teammates, he tried, unsuccessfully, to breach PSG's defence single-handedly – a strategy that yielded no dividends. This lack of synergy was particularly evident as Leao made multiple attempts to penetrate PSG's area, only to be dispossessed each time. Olivier Giroud, despite a valiant effort, couldn't capitalize on the few chances that came his way. Milan's inability to effectively utilize their forward line will certainly be a point of reflection for them.

Defensive Lapses Prove Costly

Milan's defence, particularly Fikayo Tomori, had a night to forget. After being caught out on Mbappe’s opener, Tomori was later involved in a controversial VAR decision that saw Ousmane Dembele’s strike ruled out. Despite these let-offs, PSG's other stars, Randal Kolo Muani and Kang-In Lee, ensured the Italian giants couldn't catch a break. Tomori also faced further challenges, with Kylian Mbappe proving a constant thorn in his side. Later in the match, Tomori picked up a booking that added to Milan's woes. As the minutes passed, Milan's defence seemed increasingly fragile, leading to more opportunities for PSG.