RB Leipzig 2-2 PSG: 5 hits and flops as Dominik Szoboszlai penalty forces a share of the spoils | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Georginio Wijnaldum struck a brace as PSG and Leipzig played out an entertaining draw.
Georginio Wijnaldum struck a brace as PSG and Leipzig played out an entertaining draw.

RB Leipzig snatched a point against PSG following a late 2-2 draw in an enticing Champions League game in Leipzig. Dominik Szoboszlai scored a penalty in stoppage time as the Red Bulls managed to put a point on the board after three consecutive losses.

Christopher Nkunku got the hosts underway in the eighth minute. Andre Silva missed a chance to double their advantage from the spot, as Gianluigi Donnarumma made a comfortable save.

PSG, on the ropes in the opening quarter of the game, struck twice through Georginio Wijnaldum to take the lead before half-time.

The second half was marred by missed chances, especially at Leipzig's end. The match was headed for a PSG victory until Presnel Kimpembe's foul on Nkunku earned Leipzig another penalty.

Szoboszlai, who'd come off the bench earlier, stepped up and made no mistake. He buried his effort into the bottom corner as Leipzig finally opened their account for the season in Europe.

On that note, here are the five hit and flop performers from either team in the match:


Flop: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

No heroics from Mbappe on the night.
No heroics from Mbappe on the night.

What a frustrating night of missed chances for Mbappe, who on any other day could've bagged a hat-trick. He got an assist for Wijnaldum's first goal, but lacked the end product in the final third.

In two of his best chances of the night, the Frenchman drove forward with his customary electric speed, only to fire his effort over the bar. On both occasions, he also had only Peter Gulacsi to beat, making those misses all the more disappointing.

It wasn't just his night.


Hit: Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

Only Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Haller have more goals than Nkunku this season.
Only Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Haller have more goals than Nkunku this season.

Continuing his fine European campaign this season, Christopher Nkunku bagged another goal on the night. It was his fifth of the season in just four games, marking the second consecutive year he scored against his former club at the Red Bull Arena.

Of course, it wasn't enough to secure a victory on the night, but the young Frenchman was the driving force of his side's attacking charge. He made many dangerous runs and testing efforts. With a little more cutting edge, he could've bagged a goal or two more. Nkunku, though, won a late penalty for his side.

Flop: Emil Forsberg (RB Leipzig)

Forsberg was well below his best on the night.
Forsberg was well below his best on the night.

On an eventful night in Leipzig, Emil Forsberg would be frustrated by a bland, display. He failed to influence the game in any meaningful way before going off in the home side's first change of the night.

The Swede, starting alongside Nkunku behind lone striker Andre Silva, was completely eclipsed by the other two. In 59 minutes of action, he completed only 13 passes, and failed to win a single ground duel.

His only effort on target was comfortably saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma in the sixth minute, as his effort lacked the power to beat the Italy custodian.


Hit: Georginio Wijnaldum (PSG)

The Dutchman was PSG's unlikely hero on the night.
The Dutchman was PSG's unlikely hero on the night.

What were the odds that Georginio Wijnaldum was going to score on the night? He rarely does, in fact, but whenever he's on target, the Dutchman makes sure it's in a big game. He scored a brace against Barcelona two and a half years ago in the Champions League semi-finals.

On Wednesday, in Messi's absence, Wijnaldum decided to take the initiative upon himself. He fired twice in the space of just 18 minutes in the first half to make sure his side went into the break on the front foot.


Flop: Danilo Pereira (PSG)

Danilo Pereira was completely run over in midfield.
Danilo Pereira was completely run over in midfield.

PSG were in complete shambles on the night. Part of the reason for that was their inability to control midfield, with Danilo, in particular, being a complete disaster.

The Portuguese conceded a penalty in the first half for bringing down Silva, which he was fortunate to see Donnarumma keep out.

However, it did little to boost Danilo's confidence, as he continued to run around aimlessly. He later conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position that Leipzig once again failed to take advantage of and punish the Parisians.

An awful night for the PSG midfielder.

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