Barcola shines for PSG struggling with Lens before shock against Man City

Bradley Barcola’s exceptional performance, combined with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s decisive saves, allowed Paris Saint-Germain to win 2-1 against Lens in Ligue 1 last Saturday. Thanks to this victory, PSG increases its lead at the top of the standings, bringing it to 10 points. However, that does little to hide the defensive weaknesses of the Luis Enrique-led side ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City next week.

PSG remains undefeated in Ligue 1, but struggled in front of a lively crowd at Stade Bollaert. Lens played a daring game and multiplied the chances. It was only in the 86th minute that Lens folded, when Barcola, who had earlier assisted Fabian Ruiz’s equalizer, scored the winning goal.

PSG have conceded four goals in their last three matches, including two in a confrontation against an amateur team in the Coupe de France.

With two matches remaining in the Champions League, PSG currently occupies 25th place, which could compromise their qualification for the knockout stages.

PSG concedes the first goal

The hosts defended well at the start of the match to repel PSG’s attacks and opened the scoring from a corner.

Przemysław Frankowski crossed for Vitinha, who deflected the ball towards the far post where M’Bala Nzola, alone, finished with a precise low shot. The Angolan striker thought he had doubled the lead in the 57th minute after a quick counter-attack, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Instead, PSG equalized three minutes later on their first big chance, Barcola holding off a challenge from Malang Sarr to pass to Ruiz, who scored without giving Lille goalkeeper Hervé Koffi a chance.

Lens then caused trouble in the Parisian defense on several occasions, but could not convert their chances thanks to Donnarumma. Often criticized this season, he was decisive in the 65th minute by making a double save against Goduine Koyalipou, and his spectacular dive nine minutes before the end prevented a powerful shot from Jonathan Gradit from reaching the goal. He shone again by stopping an attempt in added time.

Koffi also played a key role, blocking a Désiré Doué shot with a header, but could do nothing when Barcola, well placed in the area, expertly controlled João Neves’ pass before firing into the top corner.

Lens remains in seventh position, 19 points behind PSG.

Brest wins the Brittany derby

Rennes suffered another defeat in a difficult season, losing 2-1 to Brest, three days after exiting the Coupe de France following a defeat against second division opposition. This setback leaves Rennes one point above the play-off zone.

Brest scored through Hugo Magnetti and Ludovic Ajorque, while Ludovic Blas reduced the gap in the 77th minute, too late for angry Rennes supporters. A group of Rennes players headed towards their fervent supporters after the final whistle, but were met with a hostile reception and security officers had to intervene. Furthermore, Lyon, currently sixth, drew 0-0 against Toulouse.

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