O Paris Saint Germain took a big step towards its goal of retaining the French Ligue 1 title by 3-1 home win against Lensin second place and who played most of the game with one player less, this Saturday in the expected duel of the 31st round.
With 72 points, PSG extends to nine points the advantage over Lens (which has 63), which this Sunday may lose second place in the standings, as Marseille (3rd, with 61 points) is two points behind and receives modest Troyes (18th).
“I wish we could get closer but obviously the title will go to Paris Saint-Germain, there’s not much doubt about that,” said Lens coach Franck Haise, resigned after the game.
PSG coach Christophe Galtier’s speech is quite different. “We shouldn’t think it’s over,” he said.
“We need to remain serious and determined to maintain our lead and not give any hope to the teams chasing us,” he added.
After Lens were left with ten men due to the expulsion of Salis Abdul Samed in the 19th minute, PSG imposed their superiority with goals from Kylian Mbappé (in the 31st minute), Vitinha (37′) and Lionel Messi (40′). The only goal for the visitors was scored from the penalty spot by Przemyslaw Frankowski (60′).
Paris Saint-Germain lost their last two league games at the Parc des Princes, against Rennes and Lyon, which made this game against Lens, the revelation team of the season, dangerous.
The red card for Salid Abdul Samed in the 19th minute for stepping on Achraf Hakimi, however, paved the way for the capital team.
The first goal of the match came in the 31st minute, when Mbappé received it in the area with his back to the goal and on the turn he sent a low and placed shot. The assist had been given by the Portuguese Vitinha, who scored the second for PSG in the 37th minute, in a kick from outside the area.
The third came from the feet of Lionel Messi (40′), who imposed himself after the boos in recent games. The three-time world champion started an attacking move with Mbappé, who backheeled for the Argentine to score with a cross kick.
In the second half, Frankowski reduced it to Lens from the penalty spot in the 60th minute.
The score has not changed and PSG is approaching its eleventh title in the French championship.
“It’s an important victory, it’s a pleasure to get it. We made good use of the numerical advantage in the first half, in the second we were a little relaxed”, admitted PSG coach Christophe Galtier.
In artillery, Mbappé adds up to 20 goals and remains the isolated leader, now with one more than Canadian Jonathan David, from Lille, and Alexandre Lacazette, from Lyon.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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