A Whirlwind Of A Game Between Manchester United and PSG
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
A little over 2 months ago Manchester United were borderline pathetic, to say the least. A team that look to have no chance at the top 4 in the Premier League or of making any noise in the Champions League, even though they were past the group stage. And here we are, a Jose Mourinho firing later and United have climbed into the top 4 and have just knocked off one of the Champions League favorites, PSG. Now going into this two leg cup tie, United were obviously playing a lot better than they had been earlier in the season but I still would have given PSG about a 75% chance to win and advance. And then after PSG won the first leg 2-0 on the road at Old Traford, I would have then decreased United’s chances of advancing to about 5%.
Well low and behold, United pulled off a borderline miracle. They went into Paris and defeated PSG 3-1 courtesy of a late controversial VAR penalty decision, which we will discuss more later. Let me just say that even as a Chelsea fan I’m thrilled with the result. I despise PSG. I would put them on the same level of hate that I have for Barcelona but I can at least admit that I respect Barca. Seeing PSG lose to United in stoppage time at home is just the icing on the cake.
So lets talk about the game. Again, United were going into this game being down 2-0 and those two goals were away goals for PSG so this lead was even more insurmountable. United would need a 2-0 win on the road just to take the game to extra time or a 3-1 or 4-2 win to go win the cup tie on away goals. United got off to a flying start with a goal from Lukaku in the 2nd minute of the game after a wayward back bass from PSG defender Thilo Kehrer. United were off to a flying start but this was short lived as PSG would strike with a goal of their own just 10 minuntes later, courtesy of Juan Bernat. Now needing 2 goals again, United were able to grab their 2nd of the night after one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Gigi Buffon, couldn’t hang on to an easy shot allowing for Lukaku to pounce and smash home another. The match stayed 2-1 all the way until stoppage time when United won a penalty due to maybe the most the most controversial decisions that we will see in this year’s Champions League knockout stage. Just check it out.
So a shot from Diogo Dalot hits the arm of Presnel Kimpembe. The refs decide that this warrants a review(VAR) and they award a penalty after the review. As much as I hate PSG I feel like they got screwed. To start I think it’s incredibly debatable on whether or not that was a handball. I would say the crowd is split 50/50 on whether or not his arm is in a natural position, because to start what is is exactly a natural position? I mean it’s impossible to keep your hands by your side when actually running or jumping and to me as long as your arm doesn’t stray far from your side or above your shoulders, then it’s a natural position. So not only does PSG lose out on that but I also think it’s total BS that this type of play is reviewable. As much as Saints fans wish the NFL could review pass interference, nobody actually wants those plays to be reviewable and this is pretty much the equivalent. A handball or penalty has to be a decision made on the field by the refs and not something that can be reviewed due to how subjective it can be. I completely understand using VAR to check offsides or to check if a ball went out of play because those decisions for the most part are clear cut and not left up to interpretation. In the end, Manchester United got gifted a miracle and Marcus Rashford took full advantage of it from the penalty spot. Manchester are on to the quarterfinal and this is a game most won’t forget anytime soon.
Also I do feel for Buffon, who at 41 yrs old and regarded as one of the greatest goalies of all time has yet to win a Champions League trophy, coming up just short so many times.
Thanny