# The fallout from PSG’s 21/22 UCL exit: All you need to know

URL: https://technosports.co.in/the-fallout-from-psgs-21-22-ucl-exit/  
Published: 2022-03-11  
Updated: 2022-03-11  
Author: Arsh Das

PSG crashed out of the Champions League after [Karim Benzema scored a sensational second-half hat-trick](https://technosports.co.in/2022/03/10/real-madrid-3-1-psg-3-talking-points/)to give his side the win on aggregate. Despite having one of the best squads in the world on paper, the Parisian’s wait for a maiden European title continues. 

The Qatari-owned club were convincingly on their way to the quarter finals by the end of the first half. But, everything changed after they conceded the first goal. Karim Benzema stole the ball off of Gianluigi Donnarumma, and it was believed to be a foul. 

## PSG crumble under pressure 

Nasser Al-Khelaifi stormed down to the referee’s room after the game, reportedly shouting ‘I’ll kill you’. . The reason behind this was them not ruling out the first goal for a foul. Mauricio Pochettino and Leonardo had a more composed reaction, but shared the same point of view. 

> PSG were left fuming after Real Madrid's win at the Bernabeu, with security having to intervene when president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo went looking for the referee to complain about his performance, sources have told [@alexkirkland](https://twitter.com/alexkirkland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [pic.twitter.com/UhNt7f6wYH](https://t.co/UhNt7f6wYH)
>
> — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) [March 10, 2022](https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1501736477390249989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

It was individual errors that cost PSG the game later, and some very determined showing from the home team. 

## Tensions in the club 

Neymar and Donnarumma allegedly got involved in a confrontation in the dressing room, with the Brazilian fuming at the goalkeeper for making the error which led to the first goal. 

> Neymar and Donnarumma squared up to each other in the dressing room after PSG's UCL exit.  
>   
> The forward criticised the keeper for Real Madrid's equaliser, before Gigi pointed out that Neymar had conceded possession ahead of Madrid's second 😤   
>   
> Full story: [https://t.co/dexZAMiLLY](https://t.co/dexZAMiLLY) [pic.twitter.com/y8VBpiHwde](https://t.co/y8VBpiHwde)
>
> — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) [March 10, 2022](https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1501915380381593608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Questions have been asked of Mauricio Pochettino’s future as well, as is the case everytime after PSG are knocked out of the Champions League. However, Leonardo [assured the press](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/30778/12562005/mauricio-pochettino-upset-but-leonardo-says-psg-boss-still-part-of-the-project-despite-real-madrid-defeat) that the Argentinian was part of the project for the remainder of the season. 

## MNM fail to deliver 

PSG arguably have the best attacking trio in the world, again, on paper. Kylian Mbappe was the best on the pitch during the first half of the second leg. But, he couldn’t be brought into the game after Real Madrid started putting pressure on PSG’s backline. 

https://twitter.com/_dhruv_17_/status/1501847114061467657?s=20&t=NHlpBcrpAGoDc7EK_UoemA

As a result, this is a prime example of how a good attack is only one part of a good team. A midfield that can supply the frontline, and a defense that can provide stability to the team is equally important. This is something that Real Madrid have understood for years, and what PSG might finally realise now.