Lasse Schone’s free kick stole the draw for Ajax against an underwhelming PSG side.
On its own, a 1-1 draw away at AFC Ajax is not to be frowned upon for Paris Saint-Germain. They may not be among the favourites for the UEFA Champions League, but the Dutch giants can more than hold their own against most sides in Europe still.
What is so disappointing for the French champions is the manner of the draw. Especially with so many good chances wasted — particularly Lucas Moura’s in the second half — and the fact that PSG have lost early ground on Barcelona in Group F.
Although a Barca side that can boast Lionel Messi, Neymar Junior and Luis Suarez (still currently suspended through Oct. 25) — though not for the Paris clash — cannot be called a poor side, it is debatable whether or not Luis Enrique’s current side are genuinely as strong as the Catalan outfit that PSG pushed all the way in the quarterfinals two seasons ago.
Laurent Blanc’s men will feel that they are capable of more than matching the Spaniards but are now in a position where they must after the Ajax result.
It also will not have eluded many that this was PSG’s fourth match this season without an away win.
Ajax Amsterdam
Paris Saint-Germain
FT
Player Ratings (0-10; 10 = best)
Salvatore Sirigu, 5 — For most of the match, Sirigu did not have much to do. However, the Italian could and should have done better from Lasse Schone’s equalising free kick. If PSG’s No. 30 was at fault for the hosts’ leveler, he redeemed himself somewhat with a brilliant touch to tip the Dane’s second long-range effort onto the post.
Gregory van der Wiel, 4 — Up against his former club, Van der Wiel endured a quiet night. The Dutch international and Lucas had plenty of success on the right side, but were unable to create that much going forward.
David Luiz, 6 — Making his return from a knee injury picked up in recent international duty for Brazil, Luiz performed solidly enough. The Selecao star has struck up an immediate understanding with young compatriot Marquinhos at the heart of the PSG defence and the pair were unlucky to concede on the night.
Marquinhos, 7 — It is ironic that Ajax’s equaliser came through a mistake made by PSG’s best player on the night. Marquinhos was an absolute rock at the heart of the defence and continues his excellent start to the season. The Brazilian was one of the main reasons why les Parisiens were guarding a clean sheet on 74 minutes, when he gave away the free kick that Schone scored from.
Aside from their early goal, PSG didn’t have much to celebrate on their visit to Amsterdam.
Maxwell, 4 — One of three PSG players making a return to face their former club, Maxwell contributed little overall. Solid enough defensively, the Brazilian’s failure to link up with Matuidi on that left side as often as they did last season reflects the fact that it is the first time they have been played together from the start this term.
Thiago Motta, 4 — Motta did not enjoy his best game for PSG in Amsterdam. The Italian aided Blanc’s side in keeping control of the ball, but once again they failed to do enough with it. Motta, as he has done since the start of the season, appears to be aging quickly since last season.
Marco Verratti, 5 — Along with Matuidi, Verratti did his best to push PSG forward from midfield. However, the trio did not look as polished together as they did last season and the Italian’s hawk-like vision and technical excellence were rarely seen at the Amsterdam Arena. The Dutch midfield pinpointed Verratti’s threat and nullified it.
Blaise Matuidi, 5 — Recalled to the starting XI after spending some of the early part of the season on the bench, Matuidi was the most energetic member of the midfield. However, the French international struggled to impose himself in his usual irrepressible style and still seems to be fatigued following this summer’s FIFA World Cup. It is not unthinkable that Matuidi could be burned out considering how often he was used last season.
Lucas Moura, 4 — A constant threat to the Ajax defence because of his pace, Lucas was involved in PSG’s goal. The Brazilian provided the pass that led to Edinson Cavani’s opener, but the 21-year-old was handed an easy task thanks to Nicolai Boilesen’s major error. Lucas inexplicably missed a golden chance to double PSG’s advantage early in the second half, capitalising on another mistake in the Ajax back line to run through on goal, unchallenged, only to fire wide.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 3 — Aside from one solitary second-half effort that was flashed wide, it is difficult to recall Ibrahimovic doing anything of note during the game. PSG’s star man was at his most menacing from free kicks, and even then was not particularly a threat for Ajax. It was a disappointing return to Amsterdam for the Swede.
Edinson Cavani, 5 — Aside from the goal, Cavani did little else of note throughout the 90 minutes. That said the Uruguayan needed to show predatory instincts to snap up his chance after Ibrahimovic’s had seen a goal-bound effort blocked early on, and he did just that.
Javier Pastore, N/A — Introduced for the final 10 minutes, the Argentine playmaker was not given enough time to really make an impression. He can, however, feel disappointed that Lucas was picked ahead of him for the clash, based on both players’ recent form.
Ezequiel Lavezzi, N/A — Lavezzi, like compatriot Pastore, was brought on with only 10 minutes of the game remaining. El Pocho was unable to really see enough of the ball to warrant a rating for the match. Once again though, the South American found himself on the bench, something that could become a regular occurrence.