Led by Bernard Lama, who replaced the recently retired Joël Bats in goal, fellow French talents Alain Roche and Vincent Guérin, and prolific Liberian marksman George Weah, the Red and Blues reached a European semifinal for the first time in their history in 1992–93.[5][6] After an easy first round against PAOK, PSG defeated Napoli and Anderlecht — two resounding European names but whose best days had already passed — and qualified for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup where they were paired with the great Real Madrid.[7][8]
The Parisians fell to a 3–1 defeat in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, seriously complicating their chances of qualification. PSG learned their lesson, though, and managed arguably their most famous comeback ever in the second leg. They were 3–0 up in added time with goals from George Weah, David Ginola and Valdo, when the Spanish side pulled one back, momentarily forcing extra time. Paris were given a free kick near Real's area in the final seconds of regular time and Antoine Kombouaré, just like against Anderlecht in the previous round, rose higher than anyone else to send his team to the semifinals with a fantastic header that made him a club legend. PSG supporters nicknamed him "Gold Helmet" after this goal.[7][8] Unfortunately, PSG's fairy tale ended in the last four against eventual winners Juventus.[9]
In France, the capital outfit defeated Nantes in the 1993 Coupe de France Final (3–0), claiming its third cup title overall without conceding a single goal throughout the entire competition, a record only matched by Paris Saint-Germain itself in 2017.[10][11] Coincidentally, the victory came almost exactly ten years after their last French Cup title in 1983, won against Nantes as well.[12] It was the club's first trophy since 1986 as well as the first of the Canal+ era.[10][12]
This campaign also marked the beginning of Le Classique, the rivalry between PSG and Marseille, as both teams battled each other on the field for the league crown.[10] The first match, played at the Parc des Princes on December 18, 1992, was so brutal that earned itself the nickname "The Butchery of 1992."[13] It was on this day that the French clásico was born. Artur Jorge announced his side would crush OM, while David Ginola promised war upon them. To motivate his players, Marseille president Bernard Tapie stuck the newspaper articles with PSG's provocations in the dressing room.[10] OM would not disappoint him, walking away with the victory (0–1) in what was an extremely violent match with more than 50 fouls.[10][14]
In the second match, league leaders Marseille welcomed closest challengers PSG at the Stade Vélodrome in a match that would determine the title.[15] Paris quickly took the lead, only for OM to hit back with three goals and clinch what would have been their fifth consecutive championship (1–3).[16][17] Shortly after, however, Marseille and Tapie were found guilty of match-fixing.[17][18] The French Football Federation stripped OM of their trophy and offered it to second-placed PSG, who refused it because Canal+ did not want to anger their subscribers in Marseille.[15][19] As a result, the 1993 title remains unattributed. Canal+ even refused letting Paris participate in next season's UEFA Champions League after UEFA excluded OM from the competition. Third-placed Monaco took the spot instead.[19] Marseille and their fans have since accused PSG of plotting against them to become the new kings of French football.[20][21]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
American electronics manufacturer Commodore and French soft-drink brand Tourtel were the shirt sponsors. American sportswear brand Nike was the kit manufacturer.[1][23]
Source: Footballdatabase.eu Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored. Victory: 2 points, Draw: 1 point, Defeat: 0 points (D) Disqualified; (N) Refused title and entry to the UCL Notes:
^Marseille were stripped of the title and barred from 1993–94 UEFA Champions League due to their involvement in the bribery scandal. Retained league status.
^Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the 1993–94 European Cup Winners' Cup as winners of the 1992–93 Coupe de France.
^Monaco qualified for the Champions League as league champions Marseille were disqualified and runners-up Paris Saint-Germain declined to participate.
Note: Match abandoned at half-time due to the unruly behaviour of the PAOK supporters. Paris Saint-Germain were leading 0–2 with goals from George Weah and Jean-Luc Sassus. UEFA voided the original result and awarded a 0–3 victory to Paris Saint-Germain.[24]
