On the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Group of Death, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain met.
Newcastle United can carry on the momentum from last season and are still on the rise thanks to the financial injection from Saudi Arabia. Most recently, the newly rich club even knocked Champions League winners Manchester City out of the English League Cup (1-0).
Meanwhile, the French didnt exactly travel to the island in top form. The goalless draw at Clermont Foot at the weekend was the fourth game without a win in seven league games. However, on the first matchday of the UEFA Champions League, the French capital team confidently defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0.
In this tactical analysis, we delve into a comprehensive match analysis of the thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter between Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain, dissecting the tactics and strategies that unfolded during this high-stakes clash.
Lineups
In the highly anticipated clash, the starting lineups for both Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain showcased their tactical intentions.
Adopting a 4-3-3 formation, Newcastle placed their trust in Nick Pope guarding the goal, while their defensive quartet featured Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schär, and Dan Burn. The midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, and Sandro Tonali aimed to dictate the tempo. In contrast, the attacking trio of Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak, and Anthon Gordon sought to unlock PSGs defence.
On the other side, PSG deployed a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation, with the presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. Their defensive line consisted of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Milan Skriniar, and Lucas Hernandez. In midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Warren Zaïre-Emery aimed to provide control. In contrast, the attacking midfield trio of Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, and Randal Kolo Muani should pose a constant threat. Adding to the firepower, Goncalo Ramos took up a vital role in the offensive setup.
PSGs tactics were more intriguing because they aimed to be flexible by using four forwards. In possession, they seamlessly transitioned into a potent 4-2-4 formation, applying pressure and pushing forward. However, they reverted to a 4-4-2 shape without possession, potentially exposing themselves to counterattacks. This tactical evolution promised an enthralling battle on the pitch.
Newcastles man-orientation
Against low-lying clubs, PSG find it challenging to find their way into the game. But as we will see in this analysis, this playing style doesnt suit Newcastle. Therefore, they approached the game very differently than, for example, Borussia Dortmund in the first group game against PSG. The question looming over everyones minds was whether Eddie Howe would stick to his playing philosophy of aggression and press against PSG. Early in the game, it became evident that individual pressing was at play.
