Paris fight hard and refuse defeat against Le Havre!
Paris Saint-Germain snatched a draw in the dying moments of the match against a valiant Le Havre side (2-3). A frustrating scenario, but one that confirms once again how challenging this league can be. Let's look back on a match full of twists and turns!
In the heart of a campaign marked by its journey through four different competitions, Paris had to keep its focus spread across several fronts. This Saturday evening, make no mistake, wouldn't be smooth sailing. Because they had to overcome Le Havre, an opponent fighting for survival. Never an easy task! True to his habits, Luis Enrique had however decided to juggle between managing his squad by resting some players and setting out an attractive starting eleven. And to kick off the evening on a good note, the club from the capital announced just before kick-off a contract extension for our gem, Warren Zaïre-Emery!
Having led the league since Matchday 12, our Parisians have never faltered, and their success is only due to their own efforts. Tonight would prove it once again: they had to face adverse winds on the pitch and apocalyptic weather off it! Against an opponent as determined as threatened in the top flight, the task would be difficult... Especially since after the initial attempts on goal, it was Le Havre who broke the deadlock against the run of play... Shifted to the left wing, Opéri unleashed a shot that found its mark (0-1, 18'). Proof, if any were needed, that the visitors would boldly seize their opportunity. Frustrating, but not discouraging...
And especially not for our young Parisians! Under torrential rain, our Parisians equalised with a splendid move where Warren Zaïre-Emery surged forward to deliver a perfect pass to Bradley Barcola, who easily scored from close range (1-1, 30'). A symbol of a courageous new generation and the confirmation of an undeniable strength of character. It was much needed on Saturday evening, because the Normans were truly a tough opponent, with Ayew regaining the lead for his team after a deflected shot (1-2, 38').
As an example that this league title will require fighting until the end to secure it, our Parisians had to roll up their sleeves in the second half! Especially since Luis Enrique made no less than three substitutions at the break, bringing on Senny Mayulu, Lee Kang-In and the catalyst Kylian Mbappé to shake up the visitors. But luck was on the visitors' side this Saturday evening... After a chaotic series of events, the club from Normandy earned a penalty, which was converted by Touré (1-3, 61').
The task was indeed going to be difficult for our players to break down this defence determined to hold onto its two-goal lead. But nothing would discourage them... There was no question of giving up! Together, they rallied. And it was Achraf Hakimi who first sounded the rebellion. Sent through on goal by Gonçalo Ramos, the Moroccan international managed to reduce the deficit (3-2, 78')!
That was all it took to further crank up the volume in the Parc des Princes, as it erupted in joy! Driven forward by their supporters, our Red and Blues pushed and pushed until they cracked the Le Havre defence through sheer effort. And it was Luis Enrique's changes that once again earned points as it was two substitutes who secured the draw. After a good cross from Kang-In Lee, Gonçalo Ramos connected with a header, hitting the post before nestling into the back of the net! (3-3, 95'). A goal that didn't secure the victory but once again proved the mental strength of a team that never gives up.
Paris Saint-Germain fought tooth and nail to avoid defeat and in doing so, continue the club's unbeaten streak in Ligue 1, with the prospect of soon clinching a 12th French league title... But the season is not over. It could allow our Red and Blues to transition into another dimension. See you on Wednesday night, on the other side of the Rhine in Dortmund, to write the next chapter...