Paris beaten at Lens

News

Thursday saw Paris Saint-Germain version 2020-21 make their Ligue 1 entrance more than six months after their last match. It was with an unfamiliar starting XI Thomas Tuchel's men stepped out at the Stade Bollaert for what should have been their second match of the league season.

The newly promoted hosts raced out of the blocks, creating a number of shooting opportunities for themselves. The Parisians tried to impose their game, but Lens were dangerous. Ignatius Ganago picked up the ball wide inside the penalty box, cut back across goal and fired a low shot off the left-hand post of Marcin Bulka's goal (17').

The visitors quickly mustered a response. Kays Ruiz, who was making his Ligue 1 debut as was fellow youth academy product Arnaud Kalimuendo, bent a shot just wide (22') and Ander Herrera then saw a long-range effort ricochet wide (28'). 

The Spain international then proved important at the other end of the pitch, clearing a loose ball inside the six-yard box following a corner (34').

After the break, the Parisians continued to try and dominate possession while Lens continued to play to their strengths. Their pressing and determination paid off just before the hour mark when Ganago took advantage of Bulka's misjudged pass (1-0, 57'). The young Polish goalkeeper, playing just his second top-flight game, made amends when he blocked Simon Banza's point-blank diving header soon after (62').

With something for the hosts to now defend, it was difficult for the Parisians to find a way through. Herrera saw a free-kick fly narrowly over (67') as Thomas Tuchel's men sought a solution but they ultimately could not undo a well-drilled Lens rearguard.

Next up: Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.