Bradley Barcola’s brilliance, combined with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s decisive saves, propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lens in Ligue 1 on Saturday. The win not only extended PSG’s lead in the standings to 10 points but also highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities of Luis Enrique’s side before their crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City next week.
Despite remaining unbeaten in Ligue 1, PSG faced significant challenges against a spirited Lens side at Stade Bollaert. Lens displayed boldness and created numerous scoring opportunities, putting immense pressure on PSG’s defense. The breakthrough came in the 86th minute when Barcola, who had earlier provided the crucial assist for Fabian Ruiz’s equalizer, found the back of the net to secure the victory.
PSG’s defensive concerns were further underscored by conceding four goals in their last three matches, including a surprising setback midweek against an amateur team in the French Cup. With only two matches remaining in the Champions League group stage, PSG currently sits in 25th place, raising doubts about their qualification for the knockout rounds.
The match against Lens saw PSG conceding first, as the hosts showcased resolute defending to thwart PSG’s attacks and took the lead through M’Bala Nzola’s clinical finish in the 37th minute from a corner delivered by Przemysław Frankowski. Despite Lens’ industrious play on the break, a goal by Nzola in the 57th minute was disallowed for offside.
PSG, however, capitalized on their first significant chance after the break, with Barcola setting up Ruiz for the equalizer in the 60th minute. Donnarumma’s heroics between the posts proved pivotal, as the Italian goalkeeper made crucial saves to deny Lens from extending their lead, notably thwarting Goduine Koyalipou and Jonathan Gradit with acrobatic stops.
The momentum shifted in PSG’s favor when Barcola displayed composure in the box, controlling João Neves’ pass expertly before unleashing a clinical strike into the top corner in the 86th minute, securing all three points for the Parisian outfit. Lens, despite their valiant effort, remained in seventh place in the league, trailing PSG by a considerable 19 points.
The result emphasized PSG’s ability to grind out victories despite defensive lapses, underscoring the team’s resilience in adverse situations. As the focus now shifts to the upcoming crucial Champions League encounter against Manchester City, PSG will look to address their defensive fragilities and maintain their position atop the Ligue 1 standings.
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