PSG Snatch Late Victory as Gazzaniga Error Haunts Brave Girona in Champions League Clash

A late blunder by Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga handed Paris St-Germain a hard-fought 1-0 victory in their Champions League encounter on a night when the Spanish debutants seemed destined to claim a point in Paris.

The decisive moment came late in the second half when Portuguese left-back Nuno Mendes fired a low, speculative shot from a tight angle. What should have been a routine save for Gazzaniga turned into a nightmare, as the ball slipped through his hands, gifting PSG a fortunate win.

Girona, making their first-ever appearance in Europe’s elite competition after an impressive third-place finish in La Liga last season, showed remarkable composure and discipline. They soaked up waves of PSG attacks, frustrating the hosts, who managed 26 shots without scoring themselves.

Despite their attacking dominance, PSG struggled to find a breakthrough. France international Ousmane Dembélé came closest with a curling effort that rattled the crossbar, while another opportunity was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Girona defender Ladislav Krejci.

Girona’s defensive resilience, combined with effective counter-passing, kept PSG at bay for most of the match. However, their lack of offensive threat made it difficult to relieve the pressure. Luis Enrique’s side laboured to create clear-cut chances and were nearly thwarted by a Girona defense determined to secure a famous point on foreign soil.

Gazzaniga's mistake, however, proved fatal, and Girona's hopes of marking their Champions League debut with a memorable result were dashed in the dying moments.

Next up in the group stage, Girona will host Dutch champions Feyenoord on Wednesday, October 2nd, while PSG travel to face Arsenal on Tuesday, October 1st, in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.

This narrow victory leaves PSG relieved but with plenty to ponder as they continue their Champions League campaign, while Girona can take pride in a gutsy display despite the bitter ending.