PSG Boost, Bayern Loss, Roma Woes

PSG Boost, Bayern Loss, Roma Woes

Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont, Carlos Soler of PSG in action during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Nantes at Parc des Princes stadium on December 9, 2023 in Paris, France (image- Getty mages)

FRANCE

GOOD NEWS FOR PSG AHEAD OF IMPORTANT DORTMUND MATCH

Paris St Germain kept their lead in Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win over Nantes, staying four points ahead of Nice. The game also brought some positive news about player injuries.

Marquinhos and 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery returned to play just in time for the crucial Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. Marquinhos played for 60 minutes in Saturday's game, and Zaire-Emery, who was expected to be out for the rest of 2023, came in as a substitute. He had suffered an ankle injury while scoring on his debut for France.

In the Champions League, Group F is closely contested. Dortmund leads with 10 points and is already through to the knockout stages. PSG is second with seven points and needs a win in Germany to ensure qualification.

GERMANY

Players of Bayern Munchen are seen disappointed after a goal scored by Eintracht Frankfurt during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern München at Deutsche Bank Park on December 09, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Image-Getty Images)

BAYERN'S TOUGH LOSS

After Bayern Munich's surprising 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, the club is still figuring out what went wrong in their first league loss of the season.

Bayern's sports director, Christoph Freund, expressed frustration, saying, "We traveled to Frankfurt with high expectations and delivered a really bad performance. There is no real explanation for this; we are still searching for one."

This loss is Bayern's third this season, following defeats to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup and Saarbruecken in the German Cup. Now, they are four points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, with a game in hand.

ITALY

Romelu Lukaku of AS Roma leaves the pitch after receiving a red card from referee Antonio Rapuano during the Serie A TIM match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on December 10, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Image-Getty Images)

ROMA FACES CHALLENGES WITH GROWING LIST OF ABSENTEES

AS Roma's draw with Fiorentina came at a cost as key players received red cards and injuries, leaving them with challenges in the upcoming fixtures.

Romelu Lukaku and Nicola Zalewski got red cards, while Paulo Dybala and his replacement Sardar Azmoun suffered injuries. Long-term absentees Chris Smalling, Marash Kumbulla, and Tammy Abraham due to injuries add to the problems for manager Jose Mourinho.

After completing the Europa League group stage against Moldova's Sheriff, Roma faces tough matches against Bologna, Napoli, and Juventus before the new year.