Paris St Germain (PSG) faced an unanticipated storm on Tuesday. They started with a 1-1 draw against Nantes last weekend in the Ligue 1 opener. This result leaves PSG undefeated. They would be the first team in the history of the French top-flight to not lose any game in an entire season. Even as they feel the sting of points dropped, PSG is still an unmatched juggernaut in the league.
The encounter, staged in Nantes’ Stade de la Beaujoire, was Gianluigi Donnarumma’s second start between the sticks for PSG. The Italian international took to social media after his side was pegged back by a late equalizer to air his frustration. “I’m very annoyed because conceding a goal is always frustrating for a goalkeeper,” Donnarumma stated following the match.
Early Dominance and Crucial Goals
PSG took control in the opening period when Vitinha fired in a low half-volley. It was a beautiful goal from Son, scoring in the 33rd minute after a pinpoint diagonal ball from fellow South Korean international Lee Kang-in. This optimistic aim appeared to herald the opening notes of a much predicted triumphal march. Over the course of the match, Nantes started to show more intent.
After the break, Nantes threw everything at PSG and caused the PSG defense all sorts of problems. Jean-Charles Castelletto then forced Donnarumma into action with a good attempt that produced a top-class stop from the Italian. The hosts looked a totally different side and were keen to pounce on any PSG errata.
With only seven minutes to go, Nantes’ magic touch returned as they salvaged a controversial equalizer. Douglas Augusto demonstrated the skill that’s earned him high dollar moves as he blasted a ball from the top of the box that equalized the match. Matthis Abline’s fantastic run was instrumental in setting up Augusto’s quick turn and finish, changing the tide of the game.
Missed Opportunities and Team Reflections
World Cup star Goncalo Ramos came close to capping an impressive debut with a dramatic late winner with a header that hit the crossbar in stoppage time. Despite PSG overwhelming their opposition in terms of possession and chances created, they failed to make a comfortable lead.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique lamented the circumstances of the match, insisting his side deserved to take all three points home with them. A team of our quality certainly can’t afford to turn the ball over. To be sure, we can do better and we can continue to raise the bar. We deserved to win the game and one little thing was the difference,” he said. Enrique touched on the need to avoid complacency as they look ahead to a key run of fixtures, with clubs Nice and Arsenal next up on the agenda.
Donnarumma echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We need to improve our ball retention so we don’t lose possession. The team played a great game. We managed the ball well. We need to keep it up.”
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