Austria
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) recently embarked on their pre-season tour, and their match in Austria against a local side offered a fresh look at the team as they prepared for the upcoming season. The 1-1 draw was notable for the debut performances of new signings Ruben Neves, Ismaila Sarr, and goalkeeper Giorgi Safonov. The game provided insights into how these players might fit into PSG’s plans and highlighted both the promise and challenges facing the team.

Match Overview
Table of Contents
The match, held in the picturesque setting of Austria, was a showcase for PSG’s new acquisitions and a valuable opportunity to test new formations and tactics. While the result was a draw, the encounter offered several key takeaways about PSG’s readiness for competitive season.
First Half: New Faces in Action
PSG’s starting lineup featured several of their new signings, including Ruben Neves, Ismaila Sarr, and Giorgi Safonov. The first half saw a strong showing from Neves, who was deployed as a central midfielder. Known for his passing range and ability to control the tempo of the game, Neves quickly adapted to PSG’s style of play. His vision and precision in distributing the ball were evident, Austria and he linked well with PSG’s attacking players.
Ismaila Sarr, starting on the wing, demonstrated his pace and dribbling skills. His ability to take on defenders and create space was a highlight of the first half. Sarr’s directness and flair added a new dimension to PSG’s attack, although his final delivery was occasionally lacking in accuracy.
Giorgi Safonov, making his debut as Austria PSG’s goalkeeper, faced several shots but managed to keep a clean sheet in the first half. His positioning and command of the area were promising, and he made a couple of routine saves to maintain the balance.
Despite PSG’s dominance in possession, the first half ended goalless. The local side put up a strong defensive display, making it difficult for PSG to break through. The match’s tempo was high, with both teams probing for weaknesses, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough before the break.
Second Half: Debuts and the Opening Goal
The second half saw a flurry of changes as Austria PSG rotated their squad, giving more playing time to the new signings and integrating them into various tactical setups. The introduction of fresh legs and tactical adjustments brought a new energy to the game.
PSG finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. A well-worked move saw Neves deliver a precise through ball to Kylian Mbappé, who expertly slotted it past the goalkeeper to give PSG the lead. The goal highlighted Neves’ creativity and Mbappé’s finishing prowess. It was an encouraging sign for PSG, showcasing the potential impact of their new signing in setting up goals.
However, the local side responded with determination and managed to equalize in the 70th minute. A swift counter-attack caught Austria PSG off guard, and a well-placed shot found the back of the net. The equalizer underscored some defensive vulnerabilities that PSG will need to address as they fine-tune their preparations.
Key Performances: Neves, Sarr, and Safonov
Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves was one of the standout performers of the match. His ability to control the midfield and orchestrate play was evident throughout the game. Neves’ passing accuracy and vision were crucial in linking defense and attack, and his composure under pressure provided stability. The Portuguese midfielder showed glimpses of his potential to be a central figure in PSG’s midfield, offering both defensive solidity and creative output.
Ismaila Sarr
Ismaila Sarr’s performance was a mix of exciting moments and areas for improvement. His speed and dribbling created several opportunities for PSG, and he looked dangerous when taking on defenders. However, his final ball was inconsistent, and he will need to improve his decision-making in the final third to make a more significant impact. Sarr’s debut was promising, but it also highlighted the need for him to adjust to PSG’s style of play and develop better chemistry with his teammates.
Giorgi Safonov
Giorgi Safonov’s debut was marked by solid display of goalkeeping. While he was not extensively tested, he made a few key saves and demonstrated good positioning. His ability to command the area and communicate with the defense was noticeable. Safonov’s performance offered a glimpse into his potential as a reliable option for PSG’s goalkeeping position, although he will need more game time to fully integrate into the team.
Tactical Insights and Areas for Improvement
The match against the local Austrian side provided several tactical insights for PSG. The team’s ability to control possession andcreate chances was evident.
One area of concern was PSG’s defensive organization, especially during counter-attacks. The equalizer conceded highlighted a need for better defensive coordination and awareness. As the season approaches, PSG will need to address these vulnerabilities to ensure they can handle the demands more competitive matches.
Final Third Efficiency
Another aspect requiring attention is the efficiency in the final third. While PSG created several opportunities, their finishing and decision-making in key moments were lacking. This was particularly evident in the performance of Ismaila Sarr, who struggled with his final delivery.
Integration of New Signings
The integration of new signings like Neves, Sarr, and Safonov into PSG’s system is a work in progress. The match offered valuable insights into how these players fit into the team, but further development and adjustment will be needed.
Looking Ahead
The 1-1 draw in Austria was a useful exercise for PSGas they continue their pre-season preparations. The debut performances of Ruben Neves, Ismaila Sarr, and Giorgi Safonov provided a glimpse into their potential contributions for the upcoming season.
As PSG moves forward, the focus will be addressing the defensive issues, enhancing attacking efficiency, and continuing to build cohesion within the squad.