from failed captaincy to newfound reliability… Marquinhos’ timely return

PSG host Dortmund this Tuesday at the Parc des Princes in the semi-final second leg of the Champions League (9pm on RMC Sport 1). One of the most important matches in the history of the capital club, which will be able to rely on the return of captain Marquinhos to form, again imperial in central defense.

He appeared out of nowhere to avoid the worst. And keep his people alive. As Signal Iduna Park prepared to cheer, Marquinhos broke loose to block an attack from Julian Brandt at the last minute, last week, during the Champions League semi-final first leg between Dortmund and PSG (1-0).

After a pass from Jadon Sancho between the legs of Lucas Beraldo, the Borussia attacking midfielder thought he had doubled the lead by teeing up Gianluigi Donnarumma in the area. But his attempt was saved at the last moment by the Parisian captain, the author of a spectacular save. On the 84th. The kind of gesture Marquinhos is capable of when he’s confident. And for several weeks this has clearly been the case. Especially in C1.

After long months of doubt, frantic reminders and approximate exits, the warrior from Sao Paulo is back. At the best time for Paris. The Bernabeu nightmare finally seems to have been digested, two years after Karim Benzema’s fantastic hat-trick with Real Madrid in the round of 16 (3-1).

Despite the criticism, the disappointing performances and the question of his status, the Brazil international (84 caps, 7 goals) never gave up. His teammates wanted him to remain captain at the start of the season (after two votes taken in late August at the training center). And he knew how to find the keys to answer again present in the meadow …

After a checkered group stage against Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle, PSG gained momentum during the tough Champions League matches. And Marquinhos too.

Apart from the round of 16 return at Real Sociedad (1-2), where he remained on the bench (he was not at 100%), the Brazilian was there every time. By playing the entirety of the meetings, with the mind, the look and the grin of his best Parisian years. During the victory at Monjtuic against Barça, in the return of the quarter-finals (1-4), the number 5 of the Rouge et Bleu stood out in particular with a decisive save in the area.

The most played player in PSG history

An intervention that “Marqui” celebrated by screaming with both fists clenched, a bit like he did against the same Barcelona residents ten years ago, during a group match at the Parc des Princes (3-2). Enough to confirm his return to the highest level under the orders of Luis Enrique. His rebirth comes as he makes history as PSG’s most-capped player, ahead of Jean-Marc Pilorget.

A record for which he was honored after a draw against Le Havre on April 27 in Ligue 1 (3-3). With a tribute from his partners, a tour of the stadium and a speech in the middle of the pitch. The opportunity to make a promise to the Parisian public: to go for the Champions League, eleven years after his arrival from AS Roma (€31.4 million).

Marquinhos shows his ‘confidence’ before returning to Dortmund

This will require toppling Dortmund this Tuesday in the semi-final second leg (9pm on RMC Sport 1) and thus erasing the defeat in Rhur. This will be Marquinhos’ 441st game with PSG. One of the most important. Perhaps one of the most touching too. Despite the challenge, the 1.83m right-hander (under contract until 2028), who will play alongside Lucas Beraldo in the absence of Lucas Hernandez (injured knee), appeared calm in the conference pre-game. Convinced his team has the wherewithal to reach the final (June 1 at Wembley).

“We don’t know what will happen, but the confidence comes from the work and the composure gained throughout the season,” he explained. “It’s not linked to the result, it’s more to what we did in the preparations, what the supporters will do with energy in the stadium, in the city (…) The coach (Luis Enrique) insists a lot by saying that a match lasts for 95 minutes, maybe 120 minutes. You have to be ready for the game emotionally and know what you have to do on the pitch, that’s what gives you confidence and calmness. As its found leader.