Paris Saint-Germain conceded the draw (3-3) on the lawn of RC Strasbourg on Friday, for the opening of the 35th day of Ligue 1.
The Parisians, however, led 3-1 in the 68th minute of play. Then they collapsed… as often enough in recent years.
Why ?
"No, we didn't panic.
It's football, ”evaded Mauricio Pochettino.
At the Meinau stadium in Strasbourg,
Reassembled
.
The word was on many lips, Friday evening in Strasbourg.
Where PSG cracked again and saw their two-goal lead melt away in twenty-five short minutes.
From 3-1 in the 68th minute to 3-3 in the 92nd minute.
Incredible but this time without much consequence since the Parisian club is already champion of France since last week.
This is therefore (already) where the analogy with the spanking received in Barcelona in 2017 (6-1) ends.
No, there was not the slightest humiliation suffered by Verratti and his family in Alsace.
Just a small snag that reminds us of this evil that seems deep: Paris Saint-Germain is never safe in a meeting.
Why ?
Mauricio Pochettino did not want to talk about "panic" after the game.
"No, we didn't panic.
It's football, "replied with his now legendary verve the Argentine coach.
Who had already had the same insipid speech at the microphone of Prime: "We conceded two last goals but that does not change my vision: we had a very good match".
Perhaps, and again, if the clock had stopped before Caci's Strasbourg equalizer... But the new French champions have therefore still signed an unfinished performance.
With a twirling Mbappé and author of his 23rd and 24th goals in Ligue 1 this season, a very, very classy action concluded by Hakimi (1-2, 64th), a Messi who is constantly walking… then this final collapse.
Sergio Ramos was there though...
So, what else happened in the minds of Paris?
Because this time there was a real boss in defense with Sergio Ramos, two goals ahead, no Neymar on fire in front, no blunder from Donnarumma.
In short, nothing predicted such an outcome!
" That's a shame.
We did what we had to, we led in the score, we widened the gap but did not know how to keep this result, ”reacted Kylan Mbappé for his part.
“We have to congratulate Strasbourg who didn't give up […] We gave the stick a bit to get beaten but we mustn't take the credit away from this team.
»
The French striker is right and the data should not be underestimated: the Alsatians had a result to win.
Not PSG, which had nothing specific to play at La Meinau when Racing is fighting for a place in the European Cup.
In the same vein, this team led by Julien Stéphan also broke Rennes in the last half hour ten days ago (2-1).
Sufficient explanation?
No, because the Parisians once again failed to take shelter when they had the opportunity.
On one of his only two accelerations of the evening, Messi stumbled on Sels (89th) and behind, no serenity transpired among Marquinhos' partners.
Until that new final stab.
As if the evil, mental, was incurable within this team.
“We no longer explain anything, we are champions”, swept Mbappé again.
“We had a dip in the last ten, fifteen minutes which was fatal.
But now is not the time to explain things.
“It's a bit late, yes: PSG has already finished its season.
RC Strasbourg - Paris-Saint-Germain LIVE in Ligue 1: A demobilized or released PSG champion?
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