Safonov, Beraldo (Vitinha, 54’), Zabarnyi, Digne (Mendes, 53’) Hernandez, Akliouche, Dro (Doué, 54’), Zaïre-Emery (c), Neves (Hakimi, 63’), Kvaratskhelia (Dembélé, 63’), Ferran.
Just three days after their spectacular performance against Manchester City, PSG returned to domestic action with an away trip to Strasbourg for Matchday 7 of Ligue 1.
With Champions League fixtures coming thick and fast, Luis Enrique decided to continue rotating his squad, bringing Kvara and Ferran back into the starting eleven, among others, while handing the captain’s armband to Warren.
Although the Alsatians looked to make an explosive start, the first real big chance of the match fell to Paris, as Akliouche fired a left-footed side-footed effort just wide of the target (9th minute). Jorgensen then produced an excellent save to deny Ferran’s header moments later, preventing the Red and Blues from taking the lead (12’). The home side eventually took advantage of a brief lapse in concentration and, with a touch of luck, opened the scoring when Reyna’s shot took a slight deflection to beat Safonov (1–0, 17’).
Fired up by the goal, Strasbourg pushed for a knockout blow, but their finishing let them down, or they were kept at bay by our Parisians, who tried to fight back. Despite their efforts, nothing changed, and PSG went in at half-time trailing. With their backs against the wall, the Red and Blues had to respond, while also avoiding being caught out again. That was evident when Harder’s header was brilliantly turned away by Matvey Safonov with a superb one-handed save beside his left-hand post (50’).
Safonov produced several crucial saves to keep his team in the game, while Paris began to pile on the pressure. The club from the capital even won a penalty, but Dembélé, who had come on as a substitute, failed to hit the target (72’). It was Zabarnyi who came to the rescue, meeting a cross from the right and finishing the chance with a side-footed effort (1–1, 77’). It was a huge sigh of relief for PSG, but the Parisians weren’t done yet and continued to push forward.
This team never gives up, and once again, they proved it. With five minutes left of normal time, Hakimi sent the ball back into the box. Ferran challenged for it, but Dembélé was the one who picked it up. He unleashed a powerful shot straight down the middle that Jorgensen couldn’t keep out, putting Paris ahead (1–2, 86’)!
The closing stages were tough, as Nuno had to come off injured. With no substitutions remaining, the Parisians had to finish the match with ten men. Strasbourg pushed forward, but they were stunned. The challenges became more intense as fatigue set in on both sides.
Then Doué delivered the final blow. Receiving a cutback from Ferran, he put an end to the suspense and sealed the victory for Paris, who continued their winning run (1–3, 90+3’). This is a team full of determination, capable of grinding out victories through adversity and never giving up. Building on the momentum PSG have shown in recent weeks, the machine is up and running!
The mental strength of this team, capable of turning any game around! The joy radiating from our Parisian players is truly infectious!
Join us at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday for Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League league phase, as PSG take on FC Barcelona!
