Club Brugge 1 PSG 1 LIVE REACTION: Messi and Co stunned as Herrera’s goal cancelled out by Vanakan in Belgium

AU REVOIR

It’s goodbye from us in Belgium as PSG’s latest quest for the Champions League crown begins in a less than impressive fashion.

The talents of Neymar, Mbappe and Messi couldn’t better the workrate shown by a determined Bruges outfit, who deserved their point and who will deserve all the plaudits that come their way in the aftermath of this display.

Life in Group A doesn’t get any easier for Paris with Manchester City next up at the Parc des Princes in a fortnight. It will be a night of big money, big names and big expectations. You won’t want to miss it!

POCH SHOCK

There are some dissenting voices on PSG Twitter this evening with some believing that they’ll never win the Champions League with Mauricio Pochettino in charge.

Is the former Tottenham boss under pressure?

A UP

It’s not been the start that PSG had in mind, and the Ligue 1 club are already playing catch-up to Manchester City, who they face next in Group A.

• Bruges 1-1 PSG
• Man City 6-3 RB Leipzig

FULL TIME STATS

The Belgian champions conjured up 16 attempts on goal, but they couldn’t find what would have been a famous winner against their illustrious opponents.

FT: BRUGES 1-1 PSG

A huge roar greets the referee’s full time whistle, and it’s a fitting response to the efforts of these Club Bruges players. The hosts gave everything they had as they held the stellar names of Paris Saint-Germain, even if they were unable to keep up their incredible intensity in the final half hour. Nevertheless, every player is blue and black stripes excelled as Neymar and Messi failed to shine.

PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
THE FINAL WHISTLE IS BLOWN!

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

90+2. A final chance for the hosts to grab a dramatic win!

Lang charges forward, and has De Ketelaere arriving in support. The striker opts to use his strike partner by not using him, and comes back on to his right foot to shoot…

…and it swerves towards the corner flag.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

90+1. Neymar’s delivery is better than Sowah’s but not by much.

Bruges clear their lines, and they supporters begin to celebrate an excellent night’s work.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

90. In the final minute of the 90, PSG win their first corner of the game when Clinton Mata forces Neymar behind.

There will be two minutes of stoppage time.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

89. For the first time this evening, the Bruges players are looking a little leggy and are struggling to keep the ball.

PSG are camped in the home side’s half.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

87. This will help the hosts out, however, as they win a corner.

It’s a chance to target PSG with a late set-piece. That is, until, Sowah sends over a diabolical delivery that is easily cleared by the first man.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

85. Bruges now appear to have settled for a point, and it’s inviting PSG to attack.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

83. Hearts are in mouths in the stands as Icardi is slipped in, but before the home supporters can let out a cry of anguish, the linesman comes to their rescue with the offside flag.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

81. Some typical Neymar petulance.

The Brazilian trips Nsoki needlessly after being outmuscled by the French defender once again.

The Bruges centre-back isn’t happy and makes his points of view clear to Neymar, who responds with a verbal volley of his own. Both escape a booking.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

81. Inside the final ten minutes, and it’s so finely poised.

A winner at either end would not be a surprise.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

79. Nuno Mendes shows what he has to offer by darting away from Sobol and down the left flank.

He looks up and, seeing Messi on the prowl, sends a cross fizzing into the feet of the forward. It’s a touch behind him, but you’d still expect better from Messi, who smashes an effort over the bar.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

76. Balanta, a tireless performer in midfield, is booked for a foul on Neymar.

Meanwhile, PSG have thrown on teenager Nuno Mendes at left-back for Abdou Diallo.

The visitors have now made four changes, the hosts are still playing with the XI that started the match.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

74. This game is there to be won by Bruges’ talented youngsters if they really believe.

The 20-year-old De Ketelaere startles the PSG defence when he wins back possession in the box, and hangs a cross up above Hakimi to the far post.

Waiting there is the 22-year-old Lang, who unleashes a spectacular bicycle kick that flies wide.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

72. Messi’s name goes into the referee’s notebook, but it’s not as a goalscorer.

The Argentine is shown a yellow card after catching Rits as the midfielder darted in to nick possession away.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

70. At the other end, Messi does similar and his shot has plenty of power!

In the Bruges goal, Mignolet stands up to the task and pushes the shot back to the forward, who is only able to knock it behind.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

69. Lang works half a yard of space for himself in the box to swivel and shoot, but his shot lacks the power to trouble Navas.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

68. Much to the home fans’ frustration, PSG are awarded a controversial corner.

Messi and Neymar work it short which, if nothing else, serves to remind us that the pair are playing. If Messi’s been quiet, Neymar has been absolutely anonymous.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

66. Bruges are finding their groove again.

The impressive De Ketelaere acrobatically controls a high bouncing ball, and swivels a volleyed pass out wide to Lang.

Lang then shows off pace and trickery to escape Hakimi before sending over a cross that PSG do well to survive.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

65. Kimpembe does well to control a long ball over the top with his backside while under pressure from Lang.

John McGinn would be proud.

BRUGES 1-1 PSG

62. Herrera gives some back, fouling the lively Lang in the middle of the pitch.

This could be an individual battle to watch.