A last-gasp Luis Suรกrez header condemned Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-1 defeat at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, January 20, jeopardizing the Champions League titleholders’ chances of a top eight finish and direct qualification for the last-16.
Colombian striker Suarez struck twice for Sporting in the second half, sealing victory with a 90th-minute header after substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had equalized for PSG.
Following victories for Real Madrid and Tottenham, PSG, with 13, points have dropped to fifth provisionally before Wednesday’s matches, closely followed by Sporting. Their home game against Newcastle in eight days will determine whether the Parisians avoid the two-legged playoff in February.
“It’s the best away game we’ve played this season,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique. “The result is disappointing and unfair. It’s a shame because I only saw one team throughout the entire match. We were far superior against a very good opponent. It’s very disappointing because it’s so unfair.”
Despite being largely dominant, PSG struggled to create genuine chances, their combinations around the penalty area proving too weak and predictable for the Lisbon defense.
For PSG, the fans will be on tenterhooks until the very end in their bid for a top eight finish.