After two consecutive defeats, Paris SG painfully raised their heads by winning at Nice (2-0) on Saturday April 8, a crucial success to maintain a six-point lead at the top of Ligue 1, including bottom-running Angers finally picked up a victory, after 21 games without a win. Before a clash at the top during the 31st day on Saturday April 15 between the Parisian leader and his Lensois runner-up, the capital club was able to breathe a sigh of relief at the Allianz Riviera.
The Parisians finally pocketed three points despite great suffering. Lionel Messi’s 14th goal of the season did not completely mask the defensive shortcomings of Christophe Galtier’s team, saved by multiple saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and by his bar and post at the start of the second half on an attempt of Dante almost returned to the goal. Sergio Ramos, head scorer (76th), ended up making the “break” at the end of the game.
After a turbulent week – 1-0 defeat against Lyon, Messi’s extension less and less likely, Kylian Mbappé’s rant on social networks – this victory offers some respite to PSG. With 69 points against 63 in Lens, 2-1 winner against Strasbourg on Friday, Paris will keep at least three steps ahead of the Sang et Or after the 31st day, even in the event of a defeat at the Parc des princes against this unexpected dolphin.
Under the eyes of coach Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappé did not really shine, unlike neo-international Khéphren Thuram. As for Renato Sanches, he was injured at the start of the match. On Sunday, PSG will watch with interest the result of Marseille (3rd, 60 points) in Lorient (8:45 p.m.). He probably paid a little less attention to Saturday’s first meeting, Angers-Lille (1-0).
It was however worth it because a surprise occurred. The Angevin red lantern managed to win for the first time since September 18, ending a black series of 21 games without a win. The only scorer of the game, Halid Sabanovic, exulted in the 84th minute.
In the context of the money laundering case in an organized gang which this week targeted Saïd Chabane, owner already prosecuted for aggravated sexual assault, this unexpected success gives a little smile to the supporters, who are already projecting themselves towards an almost inevitable relegation in Ligue 2. In the fight for European places, Lille and Nice therefore both stagnate, in 5th and 8th place, before the rest of the 30th day on Sunday.