Parc des Princes was packed today, with the home fans' desire for the Champions League surpassing everything else.
After Neymar and Messi left one after another, even the less competitive Ligue 1 gave Paris Saint-Germain a tough time.
Last season, they barely won the League on the final matchday, were eliminated early from domestic cup competitions in upsets, and still achieved nothing in the Champions League.
This led Paris Saint-Germain to welcome a new head coach, Zinédine Zidane.
Finally gaining complete control of the team and becoming the sole core, Mbappé was not happy.
As Haaland and Manchester City won back-to-back Champions League titles, Mbappé was completely outclassed in the new rivalry.
Even under Zidane's leadership, Paris secured the League title early this season, but Mbappé still hadn't renewed his contract with the team.
The outcome of the Champions League will be the key to everything.
In the 12th minute of the match, Paris took a corner kick from the left, and Nübel caught the ball over Mbappé's head.
Waving his hand to signal his teammates to press forward, Nübel seized the opportunity and kicked the ball long to the left.
Rashford brought the ball down and turned to launch an attack.
The match had just started, and the players had ample energy, so Paris's defensive retreat was very fast.
Gao Nuo had defensive duties in the box and was moving towards midfield with Paris's defenders.
He glanced at Bruno Fernandes, who was waiting in the middle, and then at Neymar, who was surging forward on the right.
Rashford decided to dribble forward himself.
Facing the charging Manuel Ugarte, Rashford pulled the ball and changed direction, then exploded past him, trying to overpower his opponent.
This move made Bruno pause for a moment, and he turned his head to look to the right, where Neymar had an empty space in front of him.
"What's going on? Marcus is too excited, damn it, no one in the middle, I have to push up."
After only a slight surprise, Bruno quickened his pace and sprinted towards the penalty area.
Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte transferred to Paris in the summer of 2023 for 60 million euros.
After two seasons, he had solidified his starting position, and his tough playing style was deeply loved by Paris fans.
Rashford was faster, but Manuel Ugarte didn't hesitate at all, immediately using his body to block his opponent.
The speed advantage was negated, and the spectacle of an overtake on the wing didn't occur.
Manuel Ugarte blocked Rashford, trying to shield the ball out of bounds.
Rashford kept reaching out his foot, barely managing to snatch the ball back from between Manuel Ugarte's legs.
Before he could make his next move, Manuel Ugarte kicked the ball flying into the stands.
"In this Manchester United counter-attack, Rashford held onto the ball a bit too long. If he had passed it to the middle earlier, Bruno could have immediately switched it to the right. Comparatively, the attacking opportunity on the right was better."
"Hey, it's a good thing for players to be excited at the start. Today's match will definitely be very exciting."
Zhan Jun and Zhang's commentary was always good, getting straight to the point in a few words.
It wasn't over yet. Luke Shaw threw the ball in to Rice, and they began to organize a positional attack.
Paris Saint-Germain's formation already indicated that Manchester United's attack today would not be smooth.
Rice couldn't find an opportunity and passed the ball back.
Manchester United passed the ball back and forth in their own half. Mbappé suddenly pressed, and Varane passed the ball to the left.
The pace of the game instantly quickened.
Luke Shaw received the ball, accelerated, and pushed forward. Rashford received it and cut inside with the ball.
Kimpembe's positioning was very stable, forming a pincer movement with Manuel Ugarte.
Rashford, who had just delayed the attack, didn't get carried away and passed the ball back to the middle.
Bruno turned to look at Neymar on the right, but without delay, passed the ball back to the left.
Luke Shaw made a reverse run, and Achraf Hakimi, who was tricked by the pass, was a step late.
"A beautiful look right, pass left! It was just that delay that Achraf Hakimi couldn't keep up with Luke Shaw. Manchester United's left-wing cross from the byline!"
"Gao Nuo in the box challenged for the header but didn't get it. Marquinhos cleared it from behind."
Zhan Jun's voice first showed admiration, then regret, perfectly revealing the fans' emotions.
Gao Nuo, who had fallen to the ground, was a bit annoyed. He looked at the big dark-skinned player next to him and spoke.
"Hey! Your move just now wasn't very fair. Are you trying to cause trouble?"
Mukiele said innocently, "What happened? Why are you sitting on the ground? Do you Chinese people kick the ball with your mouths?"
Gao Nuo scrambled to his feet, his temper flaring, "Listen, are you trying to provoke me? I don't mind teaching you a lesson."
Mukiele sneered, "A softy who falls at a touch, you're just bluffing. Come on if you dare."
Neymar came over and pulled Gao Nuo away, defusing a conflict. He was a bit puzzled, as Gao Nuo, who usually had a good temper, was exchanging trash talk with an opponent.
"Kid, what's wrong?"
Gao Nuo lifted his jersey from behind, revealing a red mark on his waist.
"Up in the air just now, he gave me an elbow. I think he did it on purpose."
Neymar looked at the expressionless Referee, "Calm down, don't let the small fouls affect your mindset."
"Hoo—" Gao Nuo exhaled, calming himself, and nodded, "Got it, don't worry."
In the 18th minute of the match, Neymar's breakthrough on the wing was intercepted, and Manchester United's high press left an opportunity for the opponent.
The young Mendes was quicker on his feet, anticipating Neymar's move to break left, and positioned himself early to block the ball.
Accelerating past Neymar, Paris began a counter-attack.
Thomas Müller joined Paris in the winter transfer window, a 2-year, 300,000-euro contract, enough to move the heart of the 35-year-old veteran.
With a significant decrease in speed, Müller played smarter, and under Zidane, he was the most reliable option for connecting the midfield and front line.
Mendes dribbled forward. Müller moved towards the ball while quickly observing his teammates' positions.
"Here!" Mendes, unsure of what to do, immediately passed the ball upon hearing the shout.
After receiving the ball, Müller ignored Fabian passing by him, and also disregarded Gonçalves calling for the ball on the right.
He sent a direct long pass, kicking the ball to the left side of the front field.
Vanderson looked at the incoming ball with some confusion, just about to stop it, and was already planning his passing options.
A sudden appearance of a boot from behind interrupted his thoughts.
Mbappé had arrived behind him at some point, and his foot, reaching out from the right, kicked the ball away first.
Before Vanderson could react, Mbappé had already dribbled into the penalty area.
Zidane on the sidelines had deep eyes, tightly hugging his arms, ready to celebrate at any moment.
Varane, plagued by injuries, was not in good form and struggled in the competition for a starting center-back spot.
At this moment, Varane dared not rush in. His hands were behind his back, his eyes fixed on the ball, doing his best to block the opponent's shooting angle.
Mbappé was very confident in his shooting skills and rarely made unnecessary moves in front of the goal, taking a direct shot.
The ball flew towards the far corner of the goal. The angle wasn't particularly tricky, but the ball speed was extremely fast.
Nübel made a desperate save, barely touching the ball, which deflected and continued to roll towards the dead corner of the goal.
Zidane on the sidelines had already begun to cheer with raised arms, and the home fans rose from their seats, ready to welcome the first goal of the match.
