Tuchel says his PSG team deserved to win as they scored two late goals to beat Atalanta 2-1.
PSG were Engaged in a late show as late goals from unsung heroes help the Parisians into their first UCL Semi-Finals since 1995.
It was already looking like it was going to be another disappointing season in the Champions League for Paris- Saint German as they found themselves 1-nil down and into the final minutes of the game at the Estadio da Luz against Atalanta on Wednesday night.
Having found themselves fall a goal behind when Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic put the Italians in front in the 26th minute, PSG failed to find a way back into the game, chances were begging for conversion with Neymar missing a third minute chance at goal after combining well with Mauro Icardi one miss that got squad members surprised on the bench.
Tuchel’s men were the better side for most of the game but with club star,Kylian Mbappe on the bench, PSG’s front-line were lacking that cutting edge finish for most of the game.
However Mbappe came on with 30 minutes left to play and a push was inserted into Tuchel’s attack but still, the goal refuse to come.
It was a very spirited performance from Italy’s third best team this season, gaining more confidence each time a PSG attack was nullified. But the Parisians would finally find their breakthrough and it came from unusual heroes.
Brazilian, Marquinhos who spent most of his game shielding the Paris-Saint German defense found himself at the right place at the right time at the edge of the six yard box which was good enough to help PSG get their much needed in the 90th minute, Atalanta were stunned. And even more stunned three minutes later into added time when Neymar combined well with Mbappe to find substitute Eric-Chuopo Moting who scored
, sending Joyful chaos to PSG fans all over the world watching from home. Disappointment was the least feeling Atalanta were having but would look back at what an amazing season they’ve had.
Paris Saint German will now play Who ever wins in Thursday match between RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid in the Semi Finals. PSG could start believing again.
It has been some week for Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel, who sat on an ice cooler for much of the game, restricted in his movement due to a protective boot.
The 46-year-old sprained his left ankle with a fracture of his fifth metatarsal playing sport last Thursday, which saw him added to a list of PSG injuries ahead of their last-eight encounter in the Portuguese capital.
After witnessing his side’s remarkable comeback, he said: “Imagine what I would have done [with my celebration] if I had two legs! Maybe today would be the day you would see me sprint for 40 metres. But it’s the club’s birthday today, exactly 50 years, so we will not forget this birthday.”
Including two domestic cup finals, this was PSG’s third competitive match in almost five months, and Tuchel admitted it was tough to get his side up to speed as they were frustrated for large periods on Wednesday.
“It was very difficult to prepare the team,” he added once the celebrations had subsided. “There was no rhythm because there were no games, but I could feel in the last days that the determination, enthusiasm and effort of the group, the quality of the training and the mix between love and hard work, was exceptional.
“For me, it was a deserved win, but if you score so late it was also luck – but I’m the first one to admit you need luck.”
There were just two minutes and 29 seconds between PSG’s equalising and winning goals, but for long periods it appeared like this would be the latest disastrous exit at the quarter-final stage for the Parisians.
Back in 2017, they led 4-0 following their first leg with Barcelona only to be famously defeated 6-1 at the Nou Camp, while last season they were beaten 3-1 at home to Manchester United to bow out on away goals after winning 2-0 at Old Trafford.
But Tuchel felt his side had already turned a corner prior to Wednesday’s dramatic comeback that went some way to making up for those previous collapses.
He said: “I had the feeling that we closed it [the mental block in the Champions League] with the second match against Dortmund.
“It was this famous ‘we cannot reach the quarter-finals’ thing and suddenly we had a bad first game and a lot of bad news before the second leg, but we turned it around with no spectators.
“We are very happy to be part of it [this moment in the club’s history]. People from outside don’t realise how hard it is to reach all these goals, even if it seems easy with a good team and a big squad. But it’s a big effort and it’s a very big step for all of us.”
Gasperini: We were so close, really close
Marco Sportiello slumps to the ground at full-time after the dramatic end
It was a crushing end for Atalanta, who stood on the brink of a semi-final having lost their opening three group stage matches in their first Champions League season.
Their head coach Gian Piero Gasperini said: “I can only thank my players. We were so close, really close. The details make a difference in the Champions League. Some set pieces, a few moments, situations – the details that determine who progresses and who doesn’t.
“The introduction of Mbappe was decisive. There was not long to go and it seemed we had done it but when you play against some of the strongest in the world at a technical and athletic level then it becomes tough.”
Mario Pasalic celebrates the opening goal for Atalanta – but it proved in vain
Atalanta’s adventure could hardly have come to a more heartbreaking conclusion but midfielder Marten de Roon admitted he and his team-mates will soon be able to look back on the campaign with pride.
He said: “At this moment, it’s quite painful. Tomorrow, I will be proud of our team and club, but at this moment, I feel disappointment.
“We played a good first half where we made if difficult for Paris, we put them under some pressure and had some minor chances.
“In the second half, we sat a little deeper. You have to defend with 11 men and we did it so well until this unfortunate moment in the last minute.”
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