Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has officially secured a place in the Champions League round of 16, clinching first place in its group by overcoming Olympiakos with a 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes. The match took a notable turn when Blaise Matuidi, a crucial midfielder for both PSG and the French national team, requested to be replaced in the 85th minute, sparking concerns among fans.
Matuidi, known for his energetic and tenacious playing style, surprised his teammates and fans by signaling to the bench that he needed to be substituted. Despite his initial struggles, especially in duels, Matuidi quickly adjusted and made valuable contributions on the field. Adrien Rabiot, his young teammate, commented, “He really couldn’t take it anymore… He always does little things for us. He always has something, but it’s nothing serious. He’s warm again and he’s feeling better.”
According to Rabiot, Matuidi was dealing with a cold, a fact later confirmed by PSG’s coach, Laurent Blanc, in a press conference. Blanc explained that Matuidi’s exit was not originally planned, as Thiago Motta was supposed to be substituted. Matuidi approached the coaching staff due to not feeling well. Blanc stated, “His exit was not planned, it was Thiago Motta who was supposed to leave the field, but it was he who came to see us. He had a few chills, maybe he’s incubating something. He put in so much effort… By exerting so much energy, he must have had a cold.”
Despite not facing the press after the match, Matuidi’s condition reportedly reassured the entire locker room, providing relief to both teammates and fans.
