Les Parisiens get back to winning ways against Les Merlus

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Paris Saint-Germain picked up the victory against Lorient on Matchday 15 of Ligue 1 (2-0). A look back at the encounter!

It was with huge determination that Les Parisiens approached their next domestic clash with the visit of a Lorient side that was intent on climbing out of the relegation zone. For the encounter, Thomas Tuchel - who was without several senior members of his squad - opted for a 3-5-2 with the duo of Kylian Mbappé and Moise Kean leading the line, while Ander Herrera wore the captain's armband. 

From the very get go, the opposing styles of the two sides were visible to see. On one hand, Les Parisiens showed patience in order to control the rhythm of the game in the opposition's half. Up against them, the newly promoted Merlus went for broke, looking to hit on the counter every time they recovered possession of the ball. And it was in that very configuration that both sides created the greatest chances of the game. Because despite, the dominance of Les Rouge et Bleu and the avalanche of chances that fell to Idrissa Gueye (5', 14'), Alessandro Florenzi (18') or Timothée Pembélé (18'), Les Merlus caught the Paris defence by surprise on three occasions with rapid breaks from Yoane Wissa (8') and Terem Moffi (23', 25').

But after thirty minutes, the men from the capital stepped up a gear in order to break through a brave Lorient defence. Ander Herrera hit the bar with a beautiful effort from more than 25 metres out (41'), before another excellent chance fell to Kean just moments later (44'). Dominance from the home side that was demonstrated by 82% of the ball and no less than 10 shots on goal! 

Thomas Tuchel's side didn't need to wait long to be rewarded for their dominance. Immediately after the break, Paris Saint-Germain's first attack hit the spot. Rafinha demonstrated his quality with an excellent pass into Kylian Mbappé, who was brought down by Andreaw Gravillon to win a penalty. The World Champion made no mistake from the spot (1-0, 50'). Christophe Pélissier's side - who would be forced to play the rest of the match with ten men after the defender was sent off - then struggled to contain the Paris attacks. And it was Moise Kean who doubled the home side's lead once again, converting another incredible pass from Rafinha (2-0, 60').

At the other end of the pitch, Sergio Rico carefully dealt with chances for Morel and Wissa (64'). Against a brave side, the abnegation in both of the danger zones proved to be the key to the match for Les Parisiens, who went on to cautiously manage their lead.

And although they created further chances to increase the score, the match would finish 2-0, the ideal result to get the men from the capital to just a point behind Lille in first place. Les Lillois will face Les Parisiens on Sunday, in what will be a battle for the top of the league.