Paris maintain pace with Lens win!

With the Trophée des Champions already in the bag and a perfectly negotiated start to the new Coupe de France campaign as well as a mouth-watering European clash coming up, it was time to get back to business in Ligue 1. First up in the New Year: a trip to last season's runners-up, Lens, and the Parisians came into the clash with a number of absentees, due to international duty and a busy treatment room. But Luis Enrique's starting XI, led by attacking trio Dembélé, Mbappé and Barcola, was still full of potential. Let the show begin!

From the outset, the high intensity football and pressure cooker atmosphere made this a great advertisement for Ligue 1. The opening minutes quickly set the scene, as both sides tried to land a knock out blow as early as possible...
Lens had the first opportunity to do just that, but Gigio Donnarumma had other ideas. He brilliantly saved Frankowski's penalty (7'), before palming away Wahi's powerful shot (21'). The tone was set: Les Sang et Or were not going to take any backwards steps!

But our Rouge et Bleu were soon catching the eye at the other of the pitch as well. Kylian Mbappé was in fine form and kept the Bollaert stadium on its toes as he danced his way through the opposition box, creating a number of chances before allowing his team-mate to shine as Bradley Barcola provided the finishing touch to a wonderful fast transition. Set up by the No.7, the France U21 international, clipped the ball beyond Samba to open the scoring (0-1, 30').

But there was no question of taking their foot off the gas after that opening goal. With Danilo as disciplined as ever at the back, Luis Enrique's men were right on top, denying their hosts space and possession. A skilfully orchestrated plan that was further strengthened by Gradit's sending off just before half-time (45').

With the numerical advantage throughout the second half, Les Parisiens continued to stifle their opponents. And with the lines stretched, our attacking speedsters were able to exploit the space and repeatedly test Brice Samba's resolve... But as we all know, in such a heated atmosphere, nothing can be taken for granted as long as the net doesn't bulge... It has to be said that this exhausted but valiant Lens team gave everything until the very end to try and stay in the contest.
But Paris were able to keep control of this exciting match, and in a final burst, it was Les Rouge et Bleu who had the last laugh when, on the last counter-attack, the inevitable Kylian Mbappé, set up by his partner in crime Ousmane Dembélé, put the finishing touches to the win with a clinical shot across the face and into the bottom left corner (0-2, 90')! Just rewards!

After a hard-fought match, Paris Saint-Germain continued their fine run with a third win in 2024. An excellent result that sees Paris Saint-Germain consolidate its position as leaders of the French top flight. Mission accomplished. In style.