Paris and Troyes can't be separated

With an historic 10th league title already in the bag, Paris Saint-Germain were looking to live up to their status as champions as Troyes visited in their penultimate outing of this 2021-22 season at the Parc des Princes. Mauricio Pochettino started with an extremely attacking line-up with starts for Leo Messi, Angel Di Maria and Neymar Jr alongside Kylian Mbappé up-front.

And the game got underway at lightning speed! After an impressive start from Angel Di Maria, his effort was pushed away by Jessy Moulin, but it was Marquinhos who converted the opener as he connected with a gem of a pass from the Argentine playmaker (1-0, 6'). The balance of the team was impressive against a Troyes side who were looking to attack.

It was a lively Kylian Mbappé who made the difference once again as he broke through the Estac defence, before he was eventually brought down in the box. A penalty that a clinical Neymar Jr converted from the spot in order to double Les Parisiens' lead (2-0, 25'). Far from beaten, however, the promoted side reacted in the minutes that followed and reduced the hosts' lead when Ugbo found the back of the net (2-1, 30').

The Parc held its breath when Leo Messi's effort hit Jessy Moulin's post, before Neymar followed up to turn home the rebound… (37'). Unfortunately from an offside position. A series of chances for our attacking quartet followed, but the Troyes keeper was equal to everything. The hosts were going to have to wait a little longer. 

But after the break, it was Estac who started the brighter, taking advantage of a defensive error in order to win and then convert their own penalty through Tardieu (2-2, 47'). A real reminder for our Champions not to let up in their efforts across the pitch. Neymar Jr thought he had given his side the lead once more, but his goal was disallowed (57'), and even Marco Verratti tried his luck!

Despite a questionable tackle on Mbappé, Marquinhos going close and Messi striking the woodwork once more, both sides began to cancel each other out and the game ended on level terms. Les Parisiens will be back at the Parc des Princes in two weeks for their final match against Metz, after their last away trip of this Ligue 1 season to Montpellier next Saturday.