Paris and Reims share the spoils
In a spectacular encounter, Paris Saint-Germain were held to a draw by Stade de Reims, and in doing so solidify their spot at the top of Ligue 1 (2-2). A look back at the encounter!
Five days after an epic victory at Real Sociedad (2-1), Les Parisiens returned to the daily bread of Ligue 1 this Sunday lunchtime, with Stade de Reims on the menu for the encounter! For the occasion, Luis Enrique once again relied on a nearly completely revamped starting eleven. Keylor Navas started in goal, while the attack was led by a trio of Lee-Ramos-Barcola. In midfield, our young talent Warren Zaïre-Emery was handed a start after celebrating his 18th birthday this week, while Danilo proudly wore the captain's armband.
Although not coming into the match in their best form of the season, our opponent approached this encounter with the firm intention of setting a trap for the league leaders. The first confrontation in Champagne had indeed demonstrated the full strength of the Champenois, despite a clear victory for Les Parisiens (0-3). Driven by a desire for revenge, Will Still's team bravely seized their chance, with a willingness to counter in numbers as soon as they regained possession of the ball to unsettle our defence. A strategy that paid off and caught our Rouge et Bleu off guard right from the start of the match, with Munetsi taking advantage of high press and a mix-up at the back to open the scoring from close-range (0-1, 7').
There was no time to get a feel of the other side in this power struggle. Stung by the set-back, our Parisians stepped up their game to take control of the match by dominating the possession of the ball. Triangles, one-twos, link-ups: Les Rouge et Bleu once again entertained with beautiful team moves. Possession that was just waiting to be capitalised upon. So, Gonçalo Ramos, who had already threatened on several occasions, took it upon himself to turn on the switch and equalise by forcing Abdelhamid into error from on a corner! (1-1, 17').
That was all it took to bring the Parc des Princes to its feet and boost Luis Enrique's troops! It was then down to the hosts to capitalise on a Reims error, as Gonçalo Ramos seized his opportunity and was quick to unleash his shot! A true poacher's finish (2-1, 19').
However, despite this new lead, it was two equally motivated teams that fought it out. Driven by their desire to attack, they offered a great spectacle, providing an open game, as enjoyable for the supporters as it was dangerous for our men on the pitch. It was therefore necessary to be doubly vigilant each time Reims pushed forward... And our defence, Beraldo - Danilo, held the fort for a long time, exemplified by an imperial tackle from the latter to deny Diakité (36'). But the Reims striker made amends by equalising just before half-time after getting in behind our defensive line (2-2, 45').
A gear change was needed in order to try to put the match to bed. And who better than the trio of Nuno Mendes - Kylian Mbappé - Ousmane Dembélé to press on the accelerator? That was Luis Enrique's bet to inject speed into his side for the last 20 minutes of the match. An immediate impact, as they pushed until the very end, igniting the Parc des Princes without managing to provide that final moment of brilliance.
After another enjoyable match, Paris Saint-Germain continue their unbeaten streak, taking advantage of the defeat of their closest competitor, Brest, to further extend the gap at the top of Ligue 1. And from one domestic competition to another. In exactly three days, our Rouge et Bleu will face OGC Nice in the legendary Coupe de France on Wednesday evening, as they aim to reach the semi-finals. The late winter period is certainly buzzing in the capital.