A week after the Parisian demonstration in Lille (7-1) and the bitter defeat of Monaco at home against Lens (1-4), the Monegasques had everything of the ideal victim by presenting themselves at the Parc des Princes, Sunday August 28. But well organized defensively, and putting a lot of commitment, the players of the principality put the Parisians in difficulty, who reacted well when they were behind.
Faced with the Parisian offensive armada, Philippe Clément had the good idea to align his mirror composition, with three central defenders, to muzzle the PSG attackers. A great inspiration, since his men often cut Parisian transitions and prevented the capital’s players from getting too dangerously close to the goal guarded by Alexander Nübel. And with a lot of tough duels and small faults, the match took a little time to settle.
The Monegasques showed more efficiency, with a first goal from their first shot, in the 20e minute of play, through Kevin Volland, following a recovery in the midfield of the new Monegasque Mohamed Camara, omnipresent on Sunday evening. Christophe Galtier’s men, led for the first time this season, reacted well by moving forward, but with less success.
And one, and two, and three poles
Just before the break, PSG hit the uprights twice, on the same action, first on a long shot from Messi, then on a recovery from Mbappé which had followed well, but which missed in front of the goal empty. It was only a postponement for the Parisians, who finally found the fault on the penalty spot, struck by Neymar with the agreement of Mbappé (70e). They could even have taken the advantage in stride, but it was Achraf Hakimi’s turn to see his attempt repelled by the post.
Less flamboyant and well muzzled by the Monegasques, the Parisians therefore concede a draw at home. Neymar, danger number 1 identified by the players of the Rock, did not show himself as twirling as during the first meetings. Thanks to effective pressing, ASM thwarted PSG by preventing them from projecting themselves with one or two touches of the ball, which was their strength until then. “We pressed very high throughout the first period, we had control of the game, and we were logically under more pressure after half-time. In the end, the draw seems fair.analyzed Monegasque goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, decisive on several occasions on Sunday evening.
In the standings, PSG remain at the top of Ligue 1 thanks to a staggering goal difference, but are closely followed by Marseille and Lens, who also have 10 points.