Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is one of the top football clubs in Europe with strong financial resources and a star-studded squad. Since being taken over by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, PSG has invested heavily in its ambition to win the UEFA Champions League. However, the question “Has PSG won the Champions League yet?” is always a concern for fans and bettors. Despite dominating French football, the Paris team has yet to touch the prestigious silver cup, despite having advanced many times in the tournament. In this article, Bestsoccertips will analyze in detail PSG’s journey in the Champions League, the reasons why they have not been able to win the championship and effective betting strategies for players.
Has PSG won the Champions League?
Has PSG ever won the Champions League? PSG has never won the Champions League. Their elimination by Bayern Munich in the 2022/23 season marked the 15th time they failed to secure the title, including 11 consecutive seasons falling short of glory. Despite boasting a star-studded squad featuring world-class players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar, the French club has yet to conquer Europe’s most prestigious competition.
For over a decade, PSG has consistently been considered a strong contender for the Champions League title due to their financial power. High-profile signings like Neymar (€222 million) and Mbappe (€180 million) have helped build a deep and talented squad. However, they have yet to solve the puzzle of continental success. One of the main reasons is their lack of composure and consistency in crucial matches. Painful defeats to Manchester United (2018/19), Real Madrid (2021/22), and Bayern Munich (2022/23) clearly highlight this weakness.
Additionally, pressure from the club’s management and fans has made it difficult for PSG to maintain consistent performance. Despite appointing several high-profile coaches, including Carlo Ancelotti, Laurent Blanc, Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino, the club has yet to find the perfect formula for Champions League success. This proves that having an expensive squad does not guarantee triumph in Europe’s toughest competition.
When did PSG come closest to winning the Champions League?
The 2019/20 season marked PSG’s closest attempt at winning the Champions League. They reached the final and faced Bayern Munich in Lisbon. Despite controlling possession and creating several chances, PSG lost 1-0 due to a decisive goal by Kingsley Coman—a former PSG player. It was the first time in the club’s history that they reached the Champions League final, but they fell short of making history.
In that season, PSG topped a group featuring Real Madrid, Club Brugge, and Galatasaray. In the knockout stages, they defeated Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, and RB Leipzig to advance to the final. Although they failed to lift the trophy, the 2019/20 campaign remains a significant milestone in the club’s history.
A key factor in their deep run was the brilliance of their attacking trio—Neymar, Mbappe, and Di Maria. Their crucial goals helped PSG stage a dramatic comeback against Atalanta in the quarter-finals and dominate RB Leipzig in the semi-finals. However, in the final, wasteful finishing combined with Bayern Munich’s disciplined defense denied PSG their Champions League dream.
Beyond the 2019/20 season, PSG also made a notable run to the semi-finals in 2020/21. Under Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership, they eliminated defending champions Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals before losing to Manchester City in the semi-finals. This once again highlighted PSG’s lack of composure when facing more experienced European powerhouses.
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Reasons why PSG has yet to win the Champions League
Despite significant investments and a star-studded squad, PSG has failed to conquer the Champions League for several key reasons:
Lack of composure in crucial matches
Paris Saint-Germain often struggles in critical matches, particularly in the Champions League knockout stages. Their inability to maintain composure under pressure has led to several disappointing exits from the competition. This recurring issue raises questions about the team’s mental resilience and capacity to perform when it matters most.
A notable instance occurred during the 2021/22 season when PSG lost a 2-0 aggregate lead against Real Madrid. Defensive errors and a lack of focus allowed their opponents to stage a dramatic comeback. This collapse exemplified the team’s ongoing struggle to deliver consistent performances under intense pressure on the European stag.
Squad imbalance
While PSG boasts an elite attacking lineup featuring Messi, Mbappe, and Neymar, their defensive line remains vulnerable to errors. This imbalance makes them susceptible to experienced teams like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, who exploit their defensive weaknesses.
Ineffective transfer strategy
Since 2011, PSG has spent nearly €1.5 billion on player acquisitions, including record-breaking deals for Neymar (€222 million) and Mbappe (€180 million). However, their focus on attacking talent rather than building a well-rounded squad has prevented them from sustaining consistency and competing effectively in the Champions League.
Betting strategies for PSG in the Champions League
Understanding PSG’s playing style and performance trends can guide bettors to make informed decisions during the Champions League.
Betting on knockout stage outcomes
Betting against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout rounds has proven to be a profitable strategy due to their poor track record in these crucial stages. PSG’s tendency to falter when facing high-pressure situations makes them vulnerable to defeat, especially against seasoned teams.
Experienced clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, with their history of success in the knockout stages, are often more equipped to handle the intensity of these matches. Their ability to exploit PSG’s weaknesses increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome for bettors backing the opposition in these encounters.
Betting on total goals
With a potent attacking trio, PSG often scores heavily during the group stage. Bettors can consider wagering on the “Over” market in matches against weaker opponents, as PSG tends to adopt an aggressive attacking approach.
Betting on goal scorers
Kylian Mbappe is PSG’s most reliable goal-scorer in the Champions League. Betting on him to score, particularly during the group stage, is a smart choice due to his consistent form and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Monitoring odds movements
PSG odds fluctuate significantly based on their performance at each stage. When facing stronger opponents in the knockout rounds, their odds typically rise. This creates an opportunity to bet against PSG if the opposing team shows greater stability and experience.
Final Thoughts
Up to now, when asked the question has PSG won the Champions League?, the answer is still no. Despite possessing an expensive squad and great ambition, PSG has not been able to touch the Champions League trophy. Lack of courage in important matches, instability in the defense and ineffective transfer strategy are the biggest obstacles. For football bettors, understanding the history and characteristics of PSG’s competition will help make wise decisions and optimize the chances of winning. Follow the tournament closely and apply reasonable betting strategies to achieve the best results.
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