Paris and Reims cancel each other out
Paris Saint-Germain had to settle for a 0-0 draw with a man down against Reims in Matchday 10 of Ligue 1.
Just three days after the trip to Lisbon and three days before the return match against Benfica, the Parisians were faced with a very important Ligue 1 match, with a perilous trip to Reims, against a team in search of points. Christophe Galtier made five changes to his starting line-up, notably giving Carlos Soler his very first start in his new team.
In an Auguste Delaune stadium with the Parisian supporters singing, it was a fairly balanced start to the game between two teams at opposite ends of the league table. Both sides had shots, tried to counter and made some crucial saves. In the Parisian ranks, Carlos Soler's pass allowed Kylian Mbappé to pile on the pressure (32'), while Gigio Donnarumma saved a clear-cut chance (35').
But the Parisians' task was made more difficult at the end of the first half, when Sergio Ramos was sent off in a confusing incident (42'). Of course, the balance of power shifted in the second half, as did possession. Christophe Galtier's men had to find the physical and mental resources to keep them in the game with a man down. And of course, they had to rely on Gigio Donnarumma, who was in fine form (51', 69').
Against eleven hungry Rémois, it was expected that our ten Parisians would go through some turmoil. Confronted with the difficulties, our players increased their efforts to progressively get back on the ball, and start to be dangerous in the Reims' area, with Neymar Jr coming on on the hour mark and Kylian Mbappé constantly being unpredictable with each acceleration... In vain. These attacking intentions did not come to fruition. In this tightly contested match, the scoreline remained level.
After an exciting end to the game, Paris Saint-Germain came away with a point from their trip to Champagne. The result nevertheless keeps them at the top of the table in the midst of a hectic schedule. The next match comes very quickly for our Rouge et Bleu, who will be back at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday for a second, highly anticipated tie against Benfica...