PSG struggling to impress in CL and new format could prove helpful

Associated Press Paris: Three games. One win. No goals from the forwards. Judging by Paris Saint- Germain's performances so far, the revamped Champions League format could actually prove to be PSG's salvation because it may have struggled to qualify under the previous group format. Tuesday's 1-1 home draw in the league stage against PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch league leader, exposed familiar weaknesses in defense while PSG no longer has galacticos like Kylian Mbappé or Neymar to decide tight matches. Poor marking led to PSV's goal from left winger Noa Lang and, after right back Achraf Hakimi had equalized early in the second half, PSV twice threatened a late winner from counterattacks.

“It's the little details that count. PSV managed to make our mistakes count," Hakimi said. "It's difficult when you have to chase the game and come from behind.” PSG lost 2-0 away to Arsenal in its previous game amid poor defending and needed a huge stoppagetime blunder from the visiting goalkeeper to scrape a 1-0 home win against modest Girona in its opening game.

PSG's only two goals so far have been from defenders amid wasteful finishing. Left back Nuno Mendes netted against Girona but only because his cross became a goal because of the goalie's mistake.