Enrique Looks Frustrated as PSG Go Three Ligue 1 Matches Without a Win, Trail Leaders by 7 Points, Raising Concerns Over Champions League Prospects

On September 5 Beijing time, PSG hosted Monaco. Previously, they had drawn both of their matches against Rennes and Lille, with both games played away from home. Therefore, their failure to defeat strong opponents was somewhat understandable. However, after returning home this round, PSG clearly hoped to boost morale with a victory and intended to send a warning to other contenders by beating their opponents convincingly. Unfortunately, they eventually suffered a 1-2 upset defeat, leaving them winless in all three matches at the start of the new season.

In this match, Kvaratskhelia started, while Neves returned from injury and joined Vitinha and Ruiz to form a strong midfield combination, bringing PSG's three major midfielders together. Meanwhile, Dembele was placed on the bench. Judging from the lineup, PSG should have secured three points without much suspense.

At the start of the match, PSG showed strong attacking intent and attempted to take control quickly. In the 31st minute, Kvaratskhelia delivered a cross from the left, and Marquinhos used his body to force the ball into the net, giving PSG a 1-0 lead. It appeared the match was developing in the direction they had expected, with victory seemingly within reach.

However, the situation changed dramatically in the second half. In the 58th minute, Monaco used a cross from the right, and Nazinho at the far post scored an easy header to make it 1-1. Then in the 72nd minute, Monaco launched a quick counterattack, with Idumbo breaking into the penalty area and firing home from close range to complete the comeback and make the score 2-1.

Although PSG continued to attack afterward, they were unable to score again and could only accept a 1-2 defeat, creating a major upset. After the match, Enrique looked troubled, clearly disappointed with the team's performance. In three consecutive matches, they have conceded two goals in each game, and their defensive quality has noticeably declined compared with last season, causing PSG to pay a heavy price.

Following this defeat, PSG have collected only two points from their first three matches of the new season and are now seven points behind league leaders Monaco in Ligue 1. After beating PSG, Monaco remain unbeaten and sit top of the table with nine points. PSG have long been a dominant force in Ligue 1 history, so few would have expected them to fall seven points behind Monaco after only three rounds.

Clearly, PSG's difficult start in Ligue 1 this season has surprised many people, meaning their title defense will become much more challenging. Considering their current form, their prospects in the upcoming Champions League matches are also a concern. PSG's success in winning the Champions League over the past two seasons was closely linked to establishing an early advantage in Ligue 1. If they must fight with full effort for the Ligue 1 title this season, it will certainly affect their Champions League performances. Once they lack a physical advantage, PSG will face major challenges against other top clubs. At present, PSG's prospects of achieving a third consecutive Champions League title do not appear optimistic.