PSG Drops from Top 8, Monaco Advances, OM’s Champions League Struggles Continue
In a dramatic final round of the Champions League group stage, the French clubs faced pivotal outcomes impacting their journeys in European football. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Olympique de Marseille (OM), and AS Monaco all had significant matches that determined their fates.
PSG’s Fortunes Shift as They Drop From Top 8
PSG concluded its group stage with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Newcastle at Parc des Princes. With this result, they finished 11th in the group standings, which means they have been eliminated from the Top 8.
Vitinha opened the scoring for PSG in the 8th minute, showcasing their strong start. However, Newcastle equalized just before half-time through a header from Willock, which altered the trajectory of PSG’s campaign.
Now, PSG must navigate through the qualification barriers in the upcoming play-offs.
Marseille’s Unfortunate Exit
Meanwhile, OM faced a heavy 3-0 defeat against Club Brugge. This loss not only ended their Champions League aspirations but also left them languishing at 25th in the overall rankings.
The turning point for Marseille came late in the game, with a goal from Benfica’s goalkeeper in a separate match sealing their fate. Previously, OM had hoped to secure a spot in the playoffs but were ultimately eliminated in the dying seconds.
Monaco Advances to the Play-offs
In contrast, AS Monaco managed to secure a spot in the knock-out rounds with a vital 0-0 draw against Juventus. Their solid performance in a tense match allowed them to qualify, finishing in 21st place.
Monaco will look forward to their upcoming challenge, possibly facing teams such as Qarabag or Newcastle in the next stage.
Overall Standings Snapshot
| Team | Final Standing |
|---|---|
| PSG | 11th |
| Monaco | 21st |
| Marseille | 25th |
Summary of Events
- PSG draws 1-1 with Newcastle, dropping from the Top 8.
- Marseille loses 3-0 to Brugge and is eliminated from the Champions League.
- Monaco secures their place in the knockout stage with a 0-0 draw against Juventus.
This dramatic conclusion to the group stages highlights the challenging nature of European football and sets the stage for what lies ahead for each of these French clubs.
