On borrowed time since the two consecutive defeats at home against Rennes and Lyon, Christophe Galtier, copiously whistled for his return to the Allianz Riviera, can also breathe after this success. At the end of the match, hit alive, the Parisian coach even showed up and provoked the Ultras Nice, causing a slight moment of tension.

He can thank his goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, in a very big night and imperial on his line, and Leo Messi, scorer and author of the decisive corner on Sergio Ramos' second goal.

Thanks to them, the Parisians keep their six points on Lens, before the arrival of the Blood and Gold at the Parc des Princes next Saturday.

Under pressure this week with the arrival of Nasser El-Khelaifi at the Camp des Loges and Nice, Galtier had asked for more "investment" and "personality" from his players.

PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on the pitch in Nice, April 8, 2023 © CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP

This was done on Saturday with more cohesion and "pride", even if the team did not shine and was often manhandled by Didier Digard's men, who remained on 14 matches without defeat in all competitions.

The Aiglons, who have had a string of draws in L1 since February 26, see the European places move away.

It took a great Gigio Donnarumma, with two splendid parries a few minutes apart at the end of the first half. In the second half he also made many reflex saves (59th, 70th).

As soon as they returned from the locker room, the Niçois put a lot of pressure on the Parisian goal and chained the big chances. In two minutes, Dante picked up a ball that hit the crossbar, without crossing the goal line according to the referee's judgment (51st). Then a one-touch shot from Nicolas Pépé came close to the Paris post (52nd).

Messi decisive, Mbappé transparent

Danilo, in a three-man defence with Marquinhos and Ramos, back from injury, also made several life-saving returns.

Criticized for his lack of commitment since the return of the World Cup, Messi took advantage of a defensive wandering to score his 14th goal of the season (26th), on a pass from Nuno Mendes, who chained the excesses on the left.

PSG's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos scores on the pitch in Nice, April 8, 2023 © Valery HACHE / AFP

The Argentine, whose departure is more and more "likely" at the end of the season, found on corner the head of Sergio Ramos (76th), who doubled the bet.

Stuck in controversy this week, Kylian Mbappe was almost transparent on Saturday, with bad calls and poorly distributed passes.

The Parisian star strongly criticized Thursday a video of PSG for the resubscriptions of the season 2023-2024, "disagree" with the use of his image.

PSG striker Kylian Mbappé (r) faces Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, on April 8, 2023 in Nice © Valery HACHE / AFP

"PSG is a big club and a big family but it is especially not the Kylian Saint-Germain," wrote the Parisian star after seeing the promotional campaign where he is featured.

© 2023 AFP