Paris win but have to wait a bit longer!
Paris Saint-Germain defeated SCO Angers, with an impressive victory in matchday 33 of Ligue 1 (0-3). In the search for their 10th title, they will need to a bit longer... Here's a look back at the evening!
This Wednesday evening, the two teams' destinies were tied, but their goals were totally different. For Angers, it was the quest for survival that was at stake at the end of the season. For the club from the capital, this match was a step closer to a 10th French championship title! Without Neymar Jr, Leo Messi, Marco Verratti and Presnel Kimpembe, Mauricio Pochettino completely overhauled his starting line-up, even introducing a three-man central defence.
And from the outset, the Angevins showed that they were going to give everything to take the Parisians on! The two sides quickly exchanged shots, with Keylor Navas stopping Boufal's attempt (5'), while Mandrea saved Thilo Kehrer's powerful header (7'). It was a quick start at the Stade Raymond Kopa!
After the first half, the game was played in a different style, with Gérald Baticle's men defending as a block, while the Parisians began to get their foot on the ball. After having already scored 11 times in his 3 previous matches, Kylian Mbappé was looking for the breakthrough... And of course, it was him who found it! The world champion burst forward from almost 30 metres out and played a one-two before unleashing a powerful shot that flew into the bottom corner of the net (0-1, 28'). Clinical.
And it wasn't over yet! Just before half-time, Sergio Ramos doubled the lead with an unstoppable header (0-2, 45+2'). It was a goal that allowed the Rouge et Bleu to get closer to victory. And although the Angevins tried to react after the break by increasing their pressure, our players resisted well and denied their opponents.
And after multiple attempts by the number 7, it was finally the captain who added to the score, scoring the third goal with a beautiful header from a cross by Di Maria, who provided his second assist of the evening! (0-3, 78'). Mauricio Pochettino had the luxury of sending on Bitshiabu, Simons and Michut for the last few minutes of the game, even if the latter was unfortunately sent off at the end for a clumsy foul.
But as they found the mental and physical resources to seal another victory, Paris Saint-Germain consolidated their place at the top of the French league, moving a little closer to a 10th title, which would place them in French football history. It may well be at the Parc des Princes next Saturday, against Lens, that this historical moment could take place...