After a heavy 0-3 defeat in Mallorca on Wednesday, the Parisians traveled across Europe to Gothenburg, where the cooler Swedish conditions seemed to lift their spirits. Still missing key players, PSG quickly silenced the home crowd with a slick move featuring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dário Fernandes, and Ibrahim Mbaye, culminating in a second-minute opener. Barely a minute later, Kvaratskhelia’s effort forced a fine save from Tom Heaton, confirming PSG’s resolve to avoid a repeat of the previous match’s struggles.

United, however, gradually found their rhythm despite the early setback. Mason Mount’s 19th-minute injury forced a substitution, but Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo kept the pressure on. A 20th-minute free kick by Mbeumo was narrowly cleared by Matveï Safonov, before Diallo capitalized on an error by Axel Koukaba to level the scores at 32 minutes. Safonov then fumbled a 38th-minute free kick from Mbeumo, while Koukaba gifted the ball to Diallo just before the break. Only Kvaratskhelia maintained the early intensity for PSG.

Portuguese talents and Marquinhos make their mark

Manchester United showed more firepower after the interval, with Mbeumo’s 54th-minute effort palmed away by Safonov. A 72nd-minute surge by Safonov, who ventured far from his goal to confront Joshua Zirkzee, drew jeers from the crowd and his eventual replacement by teenage debutant Alessandro Longoni. The youngster handled the pressure well, though he wasn’t truly tested.

Last Wednesday, Lucas Chevalier had replaced Safonov in the second half. This time, the former Lille goalkeeper remained on the bench as several first-team players made way at the hour mark. Luis Enrique took the opportunity to introduce Portuguese trio Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and João Mendes, along with Marquinhos, giving them valuable minutes ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup opener against Aston Villa.