PSG struggle past Lens to take 10-point lead in France
Bradley Barcola’s brilliance combined with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s decisive saves have helped Paris Saint-Germain win at Lens 2-1 in Ligue 1.
The win extended PSG’s lead in the French standings to 10 points but did little to mask the defensive frailties of Luis Enrique’s team ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City.
PSG remained unbeaten in Ligue 1 but suffered a lot in front of the buoyant crowd at Stade Bollaert on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
Lens played boldly and had many chances, but finally cracked in the 86th minute when Barcola, who previously delivered the assist that led to Fabian Ruiz’s equaliser, scored the winner.
PSG have conceded four goals in their past three matches, including a pair midweek against an amateur side in the French Cup.
With two matches left in the Champions League, PSG sit in 25th place, meaning they could miss out on the knockout stage.
The hosts defended well early on to withstand PSG’s attacks and grew into the game to take the lead from a corner.
Przemysław Frankowski kicked the ball into the box for Vitinha to head it towards the far post, where the unmarked M’Bala Nzola was waiting. The Angolan forward beat Donnarumma with a precise low shot from close range.
Nzola thought he had a second in the 57th after a fast counter-attack, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
Instead, PSG levelled three minutes later as Barcola resisted a challenge from Malang Sarr and set up Ruiz with a cut-back pass. The Spanish midfielder gave Lille keeper Herve Koffi no chance.
Lens then caused havoc in the PSG defence several times but could not convert their chances because of Donnarumma. Often criticised this season, he was decisive in the 65th minute to deny Goduine Koyalipou with a double save, and his spectacular diving effort nine minutes from time kept out a powerful goal-bound strike from Jonathan Gradit. He made another save in stoppage time.
Koffi was crucial, too, when he blocked a shot from Desire Doue with his head, but was powerless when Barcola was picked in the box and expertly controlled Joao Neves’ pass and shot into the top corner.
Lens remained in seventh place, 19 points behind PSG.
Rennes slumped to another defeat in a dismal season three days after exiting the French Cup with a loss to a second-tier opponent.
Their 2-1 loss to Brest left Rennes one point above the relegation playoff spot. Rennes have lost 11 of their first 18 league matches for the first time since 1983-84.
Hugo Magnetti and Ludovic Ajorque scored for Brest.
Ludovic Blas pulled one back in the 77th minute, too late for angry Rennes supporters.
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