Les Parisiens secure the win at Strasbourg!

In the exciting whirlwind of the start of this year, time flies and competitions unfold. After a January filled with lessons, our Rouge et Bleu travelled to the east of France to try to evoke sweet memories of spring in a stadium that remains as vibrant as ever. It was in this venue, less than a year ago, that we clinched our 11th Ligue 1 title. Images from a recent past that do not overshadow the reality of the present: Luis Enrique once again had to reshape his starting eleven due to the evening's absences—be it through injuries, suspensions, or international commitments. The Paris forward line was therefore led by the trio of Asensio, Mbappé and Kolo Muani.

It has become both a habit and a given: every opponent coming up against Paris Saint-Germain is ready to play the match of their life to challenge the favorites. After 8 matches without defeat, Patrick Vieira's team approached the encounter without any hesitation. The start of the match quickly confirmed it. In a fast-paced game where both teams exchanged blows, it was the goalkeepers who were called into action! Against resilient Strasbourg players, Gigio Donnarumma was the first keep his team in the game (1', 2'). And then, the match could have taken a turn right away because amid this completely crazy start, Randal Kolo Muani won a penalty. However, the heroic Bellaarouch was there to stop Kylian Mbappé's attempt (6').

And just when you might have expected Patrick Vieira's men to shut up shop, they instead played the card of boldness to push the Parisian block onto the back foot in the first half. However, this boldness ultimately punished them. After an unforgettable moment, Bellaarouch, the Strasbourg goalkeeper, fell victim to the Paris pressing. Forced into a mistake by Marco Asensio, his clearance was blocked before landing at the feet of the ever-present Mbappé, who made no mistake to slide the ball into the empty net from the edge of the box (0-1, 31').

From then on, it was crucial to take full advantage of this momentum and hurt the opponent, who were bound to come back fighting. And the Rouge et Bleu perfectly followed this plan and found the back of the net just after the break. An absolutely sublime counter-attack started by Kylian Mbappé and continued by Fabian Ruiz, saw Mbappé and Asensio switch roles, with the Spanish player receiving an exquisite pass from the Frenchman to slot the ball past Bellaarouch (0-2, 49'). A masterpiece!

A final sting to provoke the expected revolt in the opposing camp. Fuelled by a lively crowd, Strasbourg stepped it up a notch in the final half-hour and threw all their strength into the battle, eventually managing to reduce the deficit with a goal from Bakwa from close range (1-2, 67'). A goal that revived both the game and the home team's aspirations. However, Les Rouge et Bleu held on until the end to maintain their lead and secure a valuable victory.

After a highly entertaining match, Paris Saint-Germain continue their unbeaten streak while provisionally widening the gap at the top of the Ligue 1 table. A successful away trip before returning to the Parc des Princes for three consecutive matches: Brest in the Coupe de France, Lille in Ligue 1, and then Real Sociedad in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The mission for the day is accomplished, and the next appointments are already in the diary...