Before a clash at the top on the 31st day Saturday, April 15 between the Parisian leader and his runner-up Lensois, the club of the capital was able to breathe a sigh of relief at the Allianz Riviera.
After two consecutive defeats, the Parisians finally pocketed three points despite great suffering. Lionel Messi's 14th goal of the season did not completely mask the defensive deficiencies of Christophe Galtier's team, saved by multiple saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and by his bar and post at the beginning of the second half on an attempt by Dante almost entered the goal.
Sergio Ramos, scorer of the head (76th), ended up making the "break" at the end of the match.
After a turbulent week - 1-0 defeat against Lyon, Messi's extension less and less likely, Kylian Mbappe's rant on social networks - this victory offers a little respite to PSG.
Galtier, for his part, did not appreciate the welcome - vindictive and banner in support - of the supporters of his former club, which he went to invective at the end of the match, before having a heated discussion with his former players Khéphren Thuram and Jean-Clair Todibo.
With 69 points against 63 in Lens, winner 2-1 against Strasbourg on Friday, Paris will keep at least three lengths ahead of the Blood and Gold after the 31st day, even in case of defeat at the Parc des Princes against this unexpected dolphin.
Lille stopped
Under the eyes of coach Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappé did not really shine, unlike the neo-international Thuram. As for Renato Sanches, he was out on injury at the start of the match.
The Lillois, heads down, unlike Jean Matteo Bahoya winner with SCO Angers, April 8, 2023 Raymond-Kopa © DAMIEN MEYER / AFP
On Sunday, PSG will watch with interest the result of Marseille (3rd, 60 points) in Lorient (20:45). He probably paid a little less attention to Saturday's first meeting, Angers-Lille (1-0).
This one was worth it because a surprise came. The Angevin red lantern managed to win for the first time since September 18, ending a black streak of 21 matches without a win. The only scorer of the match, Halid Sabanovic, exulted in the 84th minute.
In the context of the case of money laundering in organized gang that targeted this week Saïd Chabane, owner already prosecuted for aggravated sexual assault, this unexpected success gives a little smile to the supporters, who are already projecting an almost inevitable relegation in Ligue 2.
Angers players win to the surprise of Lille at the Raymond-Kopa stadium, April 8, 2023 © DAMIEN MEYER / AFP
In the fight for European places, Lille and Nice are both stagnant, in 5th and 8th place, before the rest of the 30th day on Sunday.
© 2023 AFP