Paris Saint-Germain managed to game around and beat Toulouse in Matchday 22 of Ligue 1, confirming their status as league leaders (2-1). Here's a look back at the match!
In the midst of a hectic month of February, the Parisians were up against the impressive newly-promoted Toulouse in an attempt to confirm the good intentions they had shown at La Mosson a few days earlier. With a number of key players missing, such as Marco Verratti, Neymar Jr, Sergio Ramos and Kylian Mbappé, Christophe Galtier named an unconventional attacking trio, with Leo Messi supporting Carlos Soler and Hugo Ekitike.
In this clash of champions, the early part of the match quickly set the scene: the Parisians were going to play very high to make the Toulouse team retreat and try to break their block, while the visitors were ready to draw at the slightest opening to display their qualities on the counter or from set-pieces... It must be said that the Téfécé, who had not lost a single match since the beginning of the year 2023, did not come to make up the numbers! And although the Rouge et Bleu had the first few chances, they were forced to endure the departure of Renato Sanches through injury (replaced by El Chadaille Bitshiabu, 11th), and Philippe Montanier's men took the lead from a free kick by Branco van den Boomen (0-1, 20').
Once again, our Parisians were going to have to show some personality to face the difficult situation. And they did! With Leo Messi combining in the middle of the park, the tireless Hakimi and Nuno Mendes using the corridors and Leo Messi's direct corner hitting the post (32'), the players from the capital varied their attacks to break through the Toulouse wall. It was a great moment that the players knew how to seize to get the leveller! And it was Achraf Hakimi who was the scorer, with an exceptional left-footed shot from the corner of the area (1-1, 39'). A piece of art.
A new game then began in the second half! With the score level, the Rouge et Bleu kept up the pressure on the southerners by accelerating the game and creating dangerous situations. A certain Leo Messi was at the helm, and he didn't miss a single opportunity to play his team-mates in, as he did with a shot from the unstoppable Achraf Hakimi (55'), or an attempt from Danilo. All that was missing was a touch of luck to make the chances turn into goals! So who better than the Argentinian to find the breakthrough? With a beautifully curled shot into the back of the net from outside the box, the playmaker delivered the goods! (2-1, 58'). It was a gem that allowed him to reach the symbolic mark of 10 goals, coupled with 10 assists in this Ligue 1 season.
Tenacity, personality and talent were the qualities that enabled our Parisians to turn this situation around. Mental strength carried them through to the end of the match, in a thrilling last half-hour against a Téfécé side still as brave as ever. The Rouge et Bleu kept this advantage to record another victory in their stadium, confirming their fantastic unbeaten streak at the Parc des Princes. A week well spent before tackling new challenges in this very special season... The next stop will be at the enemy's, in Marseille, on Wednesday. The meeting is set.