Salah's Disappearing Act: 10 Zeros In Champions League Misses Against PSG, What Went Wrong?

The UEFA Champions League is widely regarded as the most prestigious club competition in European football, attracting the best teams and players from across the continent. For Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, the Champions League has been a springboard to success, with his individual brilliance and goal-scoring prowess playing a significant role in the Reds' title-winning campaigns. However, the 2019-2020 season saw Salah go missing, failing to register a single goal in the competition. The dismal performance against PSG in the Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals left fans and pundits alike wondering what went wrong. In this article, we will delve into the key issues that led to Salah's disappearing act, exploring the mistakes he made, the opportunities he missed, and the reasons behind his underwhelming campaign.

The Stage Was Set for Salah to Shine

Salah's previous form in the Champions League was nothing short of spectacular. In the 2018-2019 season, he scored 10 goals in the competition, helping Liverpool progress to the final. His speed, skill, and finishing ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and his partnership with Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino formed a deadly attacking trio. However, against PSG in the Round of 16, Salah struggled to make an impact, failing to register a single goal in the two-legged tie.

The Unlucky Break

One of the main factors contributing to Salah's disappearance was a combination of bad luck and unfortunate circumstances. He missed several chances in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, with the decisive goal going to Kylian Mbappé in the 38th minute. The French superstar's speed and agility left Salah struggling to keep up, and the Egyptian's timing was off, allowing Mbappé to score the opener. Salah also had a few close chances in the second leg at Anfield, but his finishing was lacking, and the Reds ultimately fell short of reaching the quarterfinals.

The Mistakes Made by Salah

Salah's poor performance against PSG was not just a result of bad luck, but also a series of mistakes he made during the tie. One of the key errors was his failure to track Mbappé, who caused him problems throughout the game. The Liverpool forward was also sluggish in his pursuit of the ball, allowing PSG's midfielders to control the tempo of the game. Furthermore, Salah was guilty of overcommitting in defense, leaving space behind him for PSG's attacking threats.

The Psychology of Pressure

Another factor that contributed to Salah's disappearance was the pressure of the Champions League format. The competition is notoriously grueling, with teams often facing three games in a short span of seven days. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, and Salah may have felt the weight of expectation on his shoulders. The fact that he had already won the Premier League and the FA Cup with Liverpool may have also led to complacency, causing him to take his foot off the gas.

The Opportunities Missed by Salah

Salah's failure to capitalize on the chances he created against PSG was a significant factor in his disappearing act. In the first leg, he had several opportunities to score, but his finishing was lacking. He was also slow to react to the ball, allowing PSG's defenders to intercept passes and clear the danger. In the second leg, Salah had a few chances, but his accuracy was off, and he failed to find the back of the net.

The Cost of Missing Opportunities

The consequences of Salah's missed opportunities were significant. Liverpool's title hopes were dashed, and the Reds were eliminated from the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage. The disappointment was palpable, with Salah's teammates and fans alike feeling let down by his performance. The Egyptian's disappearing act also raised questions about his reliability in the biggest games, and whether he could be relied upon to deliver in high-pressure situations.

The Reasons Behind Salah's Underwhelming Campaign

Salah's disappearing act was not just a result of one or two factors, but a culmination of several issues that affected his performance throughout the season. One of the main reasons was his own personal struggles, including a knee injury that kept him out of action for several weeks. Salah's fitness levels were also questioned, with some pundits suggesting that he was not working hard enough during training.

The Impact of Fitness on Performance

Salah's fitness levels played a significant role in his underwhelming campaign. He was not as energetic or dynamic as he had been in previous seasons, and his speed and agility were compromised. The Egyptian's weight was also a concern, with some reports suggesting that he had gained a few pounds during the summer. The added weight made it difficult for him to keep up with the pace of the game, and his fitness levels were not up to par.

Conclusion

Mohamed Salah's disappearing act in the 2019-2020 Champions League was a disappointing affair, with the Egyptian failing to register a single goal in the competition. The reasons behind his underwhelming performance were complex, involving a combination of bad luck, mistakes, and personal struggles. As the season drew to a close, Salah's form began to pick up, and he returned to his explosive best. However, the damage had already been done, and the Egyptian's disappearing act would be remembered as one of the biggest disappointments of the season.

What's Next for Salah?

The 2020-2021 season has been a redemption tour for Salah, with the Egyptian scoring 20 goals in the Premier League and leading Liverpool to the Champions League final. While he has bounced back from his disappointing campaign, there are still concerns about his fitness levels and ability to perform under pressure. As the new season gets underway, Salah will need to continue to work on his fitness and mental