RB Leipzig 2-2 PSG: 5 talking points as Parisiens are denied in stoppage-time | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

PSG were denied in stoppage-time as Leipzig earned their first point in the 2021-22 Champions League.
PSG were denied in stoppage-time as Leipzig earned their first point in the 2021-22 Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were held to a late 2-2 draw by RB Leipzig in the Champions League after a stoppage-time penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai.

A brace from Georginio Wijnaldum had canceled out Christopher Nkunku's early opener for the hosts by half-time. The Dutchman's goals seemed enough to earn all three points for the visitors.

However, a foul by Presnel Kimpembe on Nkunku in second-half stoppage-time conceded a penalty to the Red Bulls. Szoboszlai nonchalantly converted from the spot to earn his side their first point of the campaign.

Looking back, Jesse Marsch's side should've comfortably won the tie. Leipzig created plenty of good chances, including another penalty in the first-half which Andre Silva missed.

Here are the major talking points from the match:


#1 Leipzig punish PSG for sloppy start

PSG were a complete shambles during the opening exchanges and Christopher Nkunku (left) took advantage.
PSG were a complete shambles during the opening exchanges and Christopher Nkunku (left) took advantage.

Leipzig came flying out of the blocks here, pushing PSG on the backfoot with their high press. Marsch's side called Gianluigi Donnarumma into action in the first minute itself and threw the visitors off balance as they struggled to get into shape.

Just five minutes later Leipzig took the lead, with Nkunku firing home a cross from Silva after he dispossessed Achraf Hakimi on the left. Their harried approach then resulted in a penalty too which unfortunately came to nothing.

Donnarumma guessed the right way and kept the Portuguese striker's tame effort out. But during that opening 15 minutes, PSG were in sixes and sevens at the back, with Kimpembe and Marquinhos constantly getting dragged out of their positions too.


#2 Shift in tactics get PSG back into the game

Georginio Wijnaldum struck twice for PSG for his first pair of goals for the club.
Georginio Wijnaldum struck twice for PSG for his first pair of goals for the club.

Seeing that playing out from the back was a bad idea, PSG soon changed their strategy, switching to playing over the pressing line which yielded dividends. Not only did the switch allow them to bring Leipzig under control, it also helped the Parisians claw their way back into the game before half-time.

One such moment saw Neymar find Kylian Mbappe unmarked on the right and the Frenchman drove forward with hardly any pressure on him. Mbappe then squared it for Wijnaldum in the center to tap home the equalizer.

Less than 20 minutes later, the Dutchman, upon receiving the ball in midfield, raced in behind the Leipzig defense and released a good shot. Wijnaldum's effort was turned behind for a corner from which he then scored to put PSG in front.

And just like that, Leipzig, who could've been up by 4-0 in the first 15 minutes, found themselves trailing 2-1 with six minutes to go for half-time.

#3 Leipzig rue missed chances

Christopher Nkunku could've easily had a goal or two more.
Christopher Nkunku could've easily had a goal or two more.

RB Leipzig, on any other occasion, could've finished their match against PSG with five or six goals fairly easily. But luck wasn't on their side once again and they were left to rue several missed chances.

Andre Silva's tame penalty was the most glaring missed opportunity. If he had converted that, it might have still ended 3-2 in Leipzig's favor. Christopher Nkunku, meanwhile, was on the receiving end of a handful of chances, but ended up firing wide, over the bar or straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma.

On a night where three points were essential, the home side put up an encouraging performance and were the better side for much of the game too. But alas, a lack of cutting edge meant they picked up just the solitary point.


#4 Tyler Adams suspended for Club Brugge clash

Tyler Adams received his third caution of the season against PSG.
Tyler Adams received his third caution of the season against PSG.

Another up-and-coming American making his mark on the European stage, Tyler Adams started for Leipzig once again tonight. Adams had the daunting task of keeping PSG's marauding forwards in check.

While he came out with mixed results, a yellow card now ruled him out of Leipzig's trip to Belgium later this month where they take on Club Brugge.

Adams caught Angel Di Maria in the 25th minute with a nasty challenge that got him booked. It was his third caution of the group stages this season meaning the 22-year-old will now serve a one-game ban on Matchday 5.

While he won't be a major miss, it opens up an opportunity for Ilaix Moriba to come into the side. The former Barcelona youngster is still seeking his first start for Leipzig since arriving in the summer.

Until then, Moriba is likely to receive a few more minutes under his belt. If Marsch is impressed, the Guinean would stand a great chance to feature in the Leipzig XI against Brugge in Brussels.


#5 Group A back in Manchester City's favor

PSG dropped to second place in Group A with Manchester City climbing above them.
PSG dropped to second place in Group A with Manchester City climbing above them.

PSG were leading Manchester City in Group A entering this clash. But following their draw in Germany and the latter's comfortable victory over Club Brugge on Matchday 4, the Parisians have now dropped to second place.

The initiative is now back in the Cityzens' favor and Pep Guardiola's side face PSG later this month on Matchday Five at the Etihad. Interestingly, the Parisians have lost on each of their last two visits without scoring even once.

Aside from the clash in Manchester, PSG's only hope of finishing first in the group is Manchester City's fixture with Leipzig in Germany on the final day. The contest promises to be an intense one, with Jesse Marsch's side now feeling hopeful after putting a point on the board.

Though reaching the Champions League Round of 16 is now mathematically impossible, a place in the Europa League will be Leipzig's main objective. As a result, the Sky Blues won't have it easy on Matchday 6. PSG will also look to put Guardiola's side under immense pressure on Matchday 5.

We surely have some exciting days ahead of us in this year's Champions League.

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