PSG avoids defeat but will have to wait to be champion

Paris Saint-Germain, equalizing at the very end of the match, stalled on Saturday against Le Havre (3-3). A victory would have crowned them champions of France and would have launched them calmly towards their semi-final first leg of the Champions League against Dortmund on Wednesday. But Luis Enrique’s men made it difficult for themselves and did not show the confidence they had hoped for, even if they showed character.

This draw against the promoted force forces the Parisians to wait for the result of their runner-up, Monaco, who faces OL on Sunday. In the event of a defeat for the Monegasques, PSG will be able to celebrate their 12th French championship title on Sunday evening, otherwise it will be necessary to wait until the 32nd day and the match against Toulouse on May 12.

The capital club, which remained on an easy victory in Lorient on Wednesday (1-4) and against Lyon last Sunday (4-1), snatched a draw at the very end of the match thanks to Gonçalo Ramos (3-3, 90th+5).

On Saturday, the Parisians – already turned towards Dortmund and too little concentrated in defense – delayed the party in the championship. Paris, who monopolized the ball, turned without being too dangerous and were completely surprised by the Normans, solid behind and efficient up front.

On the PSG side, the defense again showed many gaps and was pierced too easily, in particular because of Lucas Berlado and Danilo, too slow and passive on the first two Le Havre goals. Lonely on the left, Christopher Opéri was not bothered to adjust Kaylor Navas with a cross shot (1-0, 19th), while ex-Marseillais André Ayew easily got rid of Danilo with a front hook to follow up perfectly with a powerful shot (2-1, 38th). Danilo is also responsible for the third because he caused the penalty because of an unnecessary foul on Loïc Nego in his area. The penalty was transformed by Abdoulaye Touré (3-1, 61st).

Fans of turnover in Ligue 1, especially with the decisive matches which follow one another, Luis Enrique, in the running for a Championship – Cup – Champions League treble, will certainly not field them on Wednesday, preferring Nuno Mendes and Lucas Hernandez, at rest on Saturday just like Donnarumma and Fabian Ruiz.

The Parisians equalized (1-1, 29th) following a recovery from Warren Zaire-Emery, author of a decisive pass to celebrate his extension in Paris until 2029 towards Bradley Barcola, who scored his 3rd goal in L1 this season.

They reduced the gap following good work from Gonçalo Ramos in the middle, who served Achraf Hakimi (3-2, 78th). The Portuguese center forward, who had missed an equalizing ball a few minutes later in front of goalkeeper Arthur Desmas, equalized with a powerful and well-placed header, bringing the Parc to their feet.

Kylian Mbappé, returning at half-time and very discreet on his left side for his penultimate in Ligue 1 at the Parc, fought at the end of the match but was not decisive.

Thanks to this success, Le Havre, who had lost eight of their last ten matches, are no longer play-offs and have temporarily moved up to 15th place (31 points).