Paris come from behind to beat Saint-Étienne in style

Paris Saint-Germain were back in action after the international break with a trip AS Saint-Étienne on Matchday 27 of Ligue 1. Paris were aiming to continue their run of 37 matches unbeaten away from home in the league (29 wins, 8 draws) and to equal the longest run in Europe's top five leagues, held by AC Milan (38 matches, between 1991 and 1993). In the first game between the two sides, Luis Enrique's men won 2-1 at the Parc des Princes, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice. To continue their run of form, the Parisian coach went for Matvey Safonov in goal and a four-man defence comprising Lucas Hernandez, Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and João Neves. In midfield, Warren Zaïre-Emery, captain Fabían Ruiz and Désiré Doué lined up as a trio. Gonçalo Ramos played as a No9, supported by Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the wings.

first half

Les Stéphanois started the game with a lot of pressure and several dangerous balls played into Matvey Safonov's box. The home side made the most of their excellent start to the game when Lucas Stassin headed in Davitashvili's cross (1-0, 9'). It was a difficult start to the first half for the Parisians, who were unable to find a way past Saint-Étienne's well-drilled team.

There were still some chances for the capital club, however, with Fabían Ruiz shooting wide from the edge of the area (28'). Gonçalo Ramos had Paris‘ best opportunity of the half but was denied by the opposition goalkeeper (38'). Moments later, Tardieu fouled Ramos to award Luis Enrique's side a penalty. The Portuguese slotted home (1-1, 43'), allowing Paris Saint-Germain to pull level 5 minutes before the break. 45'+3, the end of the first half: the two teams went into the break on level terms.

second half

At the start of the second half, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked up the ball, went on the counter-attack himself and scored the goal that gave the Rouge et Bleu the lead (1-2, 49'). Bradley Barcola then tried his luck with a shot from outside the area, which was saved by Larsonneur. In a similar move, Désiré Doué managed to shoot low through the Saint-Etienne defence and into the net (1-3, 52'). Warren Zaïre Emery, who had been injured in the first half, was then replaced by Vitinha (56'). After another Fabían Ruiz recovery, Bradley Barcola pulled it back to João Neves, who scored Paris‘ fourth goal (1-4, 62’). It was Barcola's second assist of the game and his 13th of the season to make him the top assister in the top five leagues in 2025.

Paris made two changes, Nuno Mendes coming on for Willian Pacho and Ousmane Dembélé for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (64'). Désiré Doué was on fire and made the difference again down the left, beating two defenders and getting his second goal of the game (1-5, 66'). Paris showed their complete control of the game with authority, confirming their resurgence in the second half. Barcola hit the crossbar from 25 metres out (77'). A few minutes after coming on, Ibrahim Mbaye scored his first professional goal after Barcola's cross (1-6, 90'). Paris took all three points at the Geoffroy-Guichard with a real attacking demonstration.

With this win, the capital club extended their unbeaten run away from home and equalled their record from the 2015/2016 season, with 27 games unbeaten. The win extends the Rouge et Bleu's lead in the league to 22 points over second-placed Marseille.

Now it's time for a different competition for Paris Saint-Germain, who travel to Lille on Tuesday for their Coupe de France semi-final against Dunkerque, kick-off at 9.10pm.