Paris beat Lille at the death!
Paris Saint-Germain continued to lead the way with a 2-1 win over Lille in matchday 12 of Ligue 1. Here’s a look back at the match!
In the middle of a very busy autumn, Paris Saint-Germain returned to the Parc des Princes for a clash against Lille. The stakes were clear for the Rouge et Bleu: strike hard to consolidate their position at the top of the table and continue an impressive series of home victories since the start of the season. Without Kylian Mbappé, Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes or even Achraf Hakimi, Mauricio Pochettino lined up with a starting eleven with an attacking trio consisting of Di Maria-Messi-Neymar Jr.
It didn't take long to see a real clash of styles in this match. The two teams fought in a major tactical battle. While the Parisians quickly sought to gain possession to impose their game, LOSC set about setting up with a low block to pounce on the counter. In the second half, Gigio Donnarumma's save from Burak Yilmaz was spectacular (2'), but he was beaten by Jonathan David's close-range effort (0-1, 31').
Mauricio Pochettino's men had to bounce back. No need to panic! With intelligence and consistency, the Rouge et Bleu got back on track by finding their patterns of play in small spaces, like Angel Di Maria, whose curled shot at the end of a superb collective action shaved the post (39'). It was with this conquering attitude that the Parisians had to start the second half. And despite Lionel Messi making way for Mauro Icardi at the break, the Rouge et Bleu never gave up. The chances continued to flow from one end of the pitch to the other, Angel Di Maria (59') after Burak Yilmaz (57').
There was still half an hour to turn the tide! The Parisians found the mental strength to throw everything they had left: a Neymar Jr was blocked just in time (68’) and Mauro Icardi’s header (72’) went close. But it was the captain Marquinhos, who was found brilliantly by Angel Di Marie, who got Paris level with an unstoppable volley (1-1, 74’). Mauro Icardi got the crowd excited with a big chance (85’), and it was finally Angel Di Maria who set Paris free with a lovely finish into the bottom corner! (2-1, 88’). An incredible finish to an exciting encounter.
Paris Saint-Germain win at the Parc des Princes - their eighth in a row in all competitions - to consolidate their position at the top of Ligue 1 before returning to European action at Leipzig on Wednesday. Mission accomplished.