RB Leipzig 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain: 5 Talking Points as PSG cruise into UCL Final | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

Angel di Maria produced a stunning showing on his return against RB Leipzig
Angel di Maria produced a stunning showing on his return against RB Leipzig

#3 An all-German affair: Tuchel outwits Nagelsmann

PSG's Tuchel glances at his former protege Nagelsmann in the biggest game of their respective careers
PSG's Tuchel glances at his former protege Nagelsmann in the biggest game of their respective careers

A lot was said pre-match about the relationship between the two Germans: PSG boss Thomas Tuchel gave Julian Nagelsmann his playing debut, before encouraging him to scout once he retired after sustaining persistent injuries.

Tuchel also inflicted Nagelsmann's first loss in senior management during his Hoffenheim days, back in February 2016, while managing Borussia Dortmund.

This was always going to be an intriguing subplot in an exciting semi-final clash, but one that quickly evaded Leipzig's grasp - not helped by Nagelsmann's tactical alterations.

Having stifled Atletico with their 3-4-3 formation, he changed formations to a 4-5-1 variant, looking to pack the midfield while creating counter-attacking opportunities after absorbing sustained pressure out of possession.

The issue, though, was they lacked a consistent final ball.

Tyler Adams and Emil Forsberg were both substitutes, while Marcel Sabitzer started slowly. Tuchel made changes of his own, rewarding Leandro Paredes' effective sub appearance with a start alongside Hererra in midfield, while Mauro Icardi was unsurprisingly benched.

Idrissa Gueye, a more defensive-minded midfielder, wasn't needed against a Leipzig side content to concede possession and take their chances. They didn't do that, which visibly frustrated Nagelsmann in a first-half where they conceded two preventable goals. Constantly relinquishing the ball in dangerous areas made it tough to watch at times.

However, there were noticeable improvements once Forsberg was introduced in the second-half and Yussuf Poulsen was given a strike partner in Patrik Schick, which provided more problems for PSG's defence.

It seemed cruel that Bernat scored to extend their lead during that period - but in truth, the damage was already done.


#2 A returning Angel di Maria shows PSG what they were missing

di Maria excelled on his return from suspension for PSG and was comfortably the Man of the Match
di Maria excelled on his return from suspension for PSG and was comfortably the Man of the Match

Angel di Maria has been one of PSG's best and most consistent performers for a number of years now, so it was frustrating to see him watching on helplessly through suspension last week.

He returned with a memorable display on both sides of the ball here: creating two assists and scoring one for himself in a match defined by small margins.

PSG were ultimately comfortable winners, but wouldn't have been if not for the Argentine's efforts - which usually go under-the-radar as everyone is caught up by the aesthetics of a Neymar-Mbappe combination in games like these.

His brilliant passes for Bernat, for example, came at the right time. PSG were under the cosh and needed a response to Leipzig's second-half improvements. They got that from an experienced player who is regularly dependable in a creative sense.

He used his body well to draw fouls and relieve pressure in precarious situations, though his quick-thinking and ability to consistently find teammates in space came to the fore on this occasion.

With five key passes, four successful dribbles, three big chances created as well as four defensive clearances, this was a tireless display by the 32-year-old.

He was crucially not satisfied with his performance either, still continuing to look for more and showing visible frustration whenever passes didn't come off.

It's that sort of perfectionist approach that Tuchel needs more of from his players, who have often been criticised for a lack of defensive effort in the past. Those claims couldn't be levelled at di Maria, who came off with five minutes to play and was firmly their Man of the Match on the night.


#1 At long last, PSG book their first Champions League final

PSG players and club staff celebrate at full-time after their comfortable 3-0 win over RB Leipzig
PSG players and club staff celebrate at full-time after their comfortable 3-0 win over RB Leipzig

Last week saw PSG overcome the odds to recover late and break Atalanta hearts en route to their first Champions League semi-final for 25 years.

It seems typical then, after such a gritty, nail-biting 2-1 quarter-final victory, that they essentially cruised to victory without overexerting themselves in the semi-finals against a Leipzig side who were their own worst enemies.

The perennial underachievers, a team notoriously criticised for their inability to compete against Europe's elite when the lights are brightest, have finally made it through to the final. They can now go right all of those wrongs, multiple years of heartbreak and media backlash this weekend.

So on Sunday, they'll play their first Champions League Final against either Bayern Munich or familiar opposition in domestic rivals Lyon - who both pose contrasting challenges.

It was refreshing to see Marco Verratti (calf) return, even if just for a 10-minute spell, as the Italian is an integral midfield figure when fit and it'll be interesting to see if he does start this weekend's final.

You always want to see the world's best playing in the biggest sporting fixtures and this is no exception here.

George Weah was their hero in 1994, with winning goals during two group stage fixtures against Bayern the last time PSG got to a Champions League semi-final.

It's fair to describe the Bavarians as favourites to progress and should they do so, it'll be a mouthwatering clash.

Both sides dominated their respective leagues but have struggled for consistency in Europe's elite competition over the past seven or eight years.

Once and for all, can PSG do it? Provided they have their shooting boots on and defend properly, as they've shown in spurts this season, there's no reason why not - whether it is Bayern or Lyon. Only time will tell.


Also Read: 5 Barcelona stars who could be cast aside by Ronald Koeman

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