PSG hooked by Reims / Ligue 1 (J20)

Paris Saint-Germain and Stade de Reims left on a parity score, this Sunday, on behalf of the 20th day of Ligue 1 (1-1).

Before a real marathon which will generate ten matches in 40 days on all counts, Paris Saint-Germain had to do the job at the Parc des Princes against Reims, this Sunday. History to take advantage of the hitches of its first four pursuers – Lens, Marseille, Monaco and Rennes. Christophe Galtier had again remodeled his starting lineup with the last-minute absence of Nuno Mendes, to which was added the packages of Presnel Kimpembe or Nordi Mukiele. Ensuring the essentials in terms of accounting, that was the idea. It’s missed.

The account is not there for PSG

Reims had approached this trip without complex. With intense pressing, the visitors showed all their self-sacrifice during a first act rather to their advantage. This reflects both their performance and the shortcomings of Parisians. Without ideas, too stereotyped, little involved in the loss of the ball, the men of Galtier did not do enough to take the advantage before the break. Worse, they could have chased after the score without a decisive Donnarumma several times in the first half hour (15, 17′).

The second period was a little more consistent in the Parisian ranks. Perhaps the adventures of Marco Verratti have something to do with it. Entering the game, the Italian changed the collective expression of PSG with a few simple gestures, as if to recall how much he remained the point of balance for this team. This materialized with the opener, signed Neymar, after a nice number from the Brazilian to play Diouf (1-0, 51st). So much for the good side of the little owl. The other came in the process, with a foul on Ito sanctioned with a red card after intervention by the VAR – which also pardoned the Parisians with a penalty (60th).

Paradoxically, it was ten against eleven that the champions of France showed the greatest consistency, tightening the lines, and multiplying the efforts without a ball to launch their arrows. Left to attack only three. That was enough to create a few break points, like Messi after an acceleration from Mbappé (83rd). But Reims still had some under the sole. And at the end of the night, Balogun, launched in depth, came to shower the Park with a powerful strike after having dribbled Donnarumma (1-1, 90th + 6). A goal that sounds like a booster shot. Paris is still not moving forward. The account is not there.