One could argue that PSG have bought their successes since the Qatari based franchise takeover, but one simply cannot achieve the level of success that they have, with only money. This is a club with vision, talent and an absolutely World Class academy in place. Maybe PSG is in a bad World right now, but they are the team of the future. Here are 10 reasons why.
10. Nantes 1 – 2 Paris St. Germain, 2000-01 Ligue 1
A Ronaldinho classic at Nantes as PSG, trailing 1-0 at one point, came back to peg Nantes twice through Ogbeche and then Ronaldinho to win 2-1 on the night.
The Brazilian’s goal was his first from open play for PSG since his switch to the French capital. Home and away fans got a taste of what Ronaldinho was all about.
9. Troyes 1 – 3 Paris St. Germain, 2001-02 Ligue 1
Another Ronaldinho special, this time away at Troyes. Paris were struggling to cope with the disciplined approach of their less fancied oppositions and had already conceded to a Michael Svensson goal early on.
Ronaldinho made one and scored two as his corner was flicked in by Jose Aloisio and then scored off an Aliosio assist and another on the counter. This was the Brazilian’s first brace in PSG colors.
8. Paris St. Germain 3 – 0 Olympique Marseille, 2002-03 Ligue 1
The La Classique is a global occasion, PSG play their southern rivals Marseille in heated encounters twice in the league in a season.
The home game for PSG in the 2002-03 season proved to be a great one as their talisman Ronaldinho scored a memorable brace, the first one through a lucky free kick and then from the spot to give PSG a 3-0 win over their bitter rivals.
7. Paris St. Germain 2 – 1 Bordeaux, 2001-02 Coupe de France
Ronaldinho’s second season at the Parc des Princes saw him reach the Final of the French Cup, the Coupe de France. In the semi-final, he starred with two goals, the second of which was absolute cracker, to dump Bordeaux out of the Cup.
However, despite their heroics, Auxerre made sure the Brazilian wizard couldn’t lay his hands on the trophy as they beat PSG in the Final.
6. Angers 0 – 1 Paris St. Germain, 2017 Coupe de la Ligue Final
When Angers made it to the Final of the Coupe de France, the entire nation backed the underdogs to stop PSG from getting their hands on a consecutive double.
It didn’t quite go that way as a Cissokho own goal meant PSG won 1-0 on the night. Unai Emery’s men showed simply why they were the best in France.
5. Paris St. Germain 2 – 0 Herbiers VF, 2018 Coupe de la Ligue Final
PSG had made a statement with the acquisition of Brazillian star man Neymar from Barcelona, and the Ligue 1 was already in the bag by the end of December.
However, with reports of a rift in the team under Unai Emery, PSG needed a statement win to justify their star man. They clinched the double at Parc des Princes against Herbiers VF.
4. Chelsea 1 – 2 Paris St. Germain, 2016-17 UEFA Champions League
PSG have always been eager to make a statement in the European circle. While their major highlight came against Barcelona, they also eliminated Chelsea at the Round of 16 stage of the 2016-17 Champions League, thanks to strong performances in both the legs.
The second leg, at Stamford Bridge was the pick as PSG, powered by a Zlatan brace, romped home with a victory and a 4-2 aggregate victory.
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3. Olympique Lyon 1 – 2 Paris St. Germain, 2014 Coupe de la Ligue Final
With Zlatan out injured, the onus was on star striker Edinson Cavani to deliver in the Final against bitter rivals Olympique Lyon. The Uruguay striker had had a great season so far, scoring 20 goals in league and cups.
However, he shone in the Final with a brace as PSG swept aside OM to clinch back to back Coupes de France trophies.
2. Paris St. Germain 4 – 0 FC Barcelona, 2016-17 UEFA Champions League
The one time Paris really shocked the World with their performances in the Champions League was when they defeated a full-strength Barcelona 4-0 at the Parc des Princes,thanks to a spirited showing from a certain Angel di Maria, a former Real Madrid man.
If PSG’s fate was anything different in the second leg, this would have a trademark moment in their Champions League history.
1. Paris St. Germain 1 – 0 Rapid Vienna, 1995-96 Cup Winners’ Cup Final
The biggest trophy in the PSG cabinet till date, the Cup Winners’ Cup win in 1996 is one of the moments to remember in an otherwise flaccid European history for the Parisians.
The final, held in Brussels, was won 1-0 by PSG, with N’Gotty scoring in the Final, the only goal of the match.