Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG) beat Lille (3-0), Wednesday March 17, in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France. After the failures against Marseille, Lyon, Monaco, Manchester United or FC Barcelona, PSG ended a series that threatened its season.
Thanks to Mauro Icardi (9e) and Kylian Mbappé (41e s. p., 90e + 2), Mauricio Pochettino’s players have regained their foothold against the leader of Ligue 1, who has lost only once away in the league. Certainly, without a great Keylor Navas, who stopped the penalty from Yusuf Yazici (75e), or using the crossbar to bring out Burak Yilmaz’s attempt (30e), Lille could well have won against the defending champion.
Seven yellow cards
Parisians like Lille delivered a physical part, punctuated by seven yellow cards, which spoke volumes about their desire to push down a direct competitor before the final sprint. In this game, the Mastiffs resisted well, despite the absence at the kickoff of several holders, including José Fonte, Benjamin André and Jonathan David. But they paid dearly for their individual mistakes, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan on the opening goal and defender Zeki Celik conceding an indisputable penalty in his area.
The northern attackers also sinned, from the penalty stopped by Yazici to the duel lost by Yilmaz (5e), including David’s missed opportunities (64e, 68e). The LOSC, which has seen the quarterfinals of the Cup only once since 2014, leaves the competition again in a hurry. But for Christophe Galtier’s men, it can be bad for good, if they take advantage of their reduced schedule to win the title.
Reunion in the league on April 3
Engaged in three competitions, Paris will experience an ultra-busy month of April. But at least he relieved himself of the nightmare lived last Sunday with the surprising defeat against Nantes (2-1). From the first minutes, the Parisians chased their dark thoughts with a high pressing and a lot of envy, Di Maria, well in legs, showing the example.
It was on his side that Paris unblocked the situation against the best defense in the championship. On a cross from the Argentine, goalkeeper Mike Maignan badly captured the ball, which Icardi only had to push back the empty cages. The striker, who had scored only once in his last nine appearances, could have symbolized the Parisian revival, if he had not come out injured (34e), replaced by Mbappé.
The “ Goleador ”rather embodies this convalescent Paris, although it has good intentions. The 2-0 signed “Kyky”, on a penalty which he himself caused, allowed PSG to take cover, while Lille subsequently pushed. LOSC even dominated the second half, but lacked efficiency. Mbappé’s goal in additional time, on cons, did not reflect his performance.
PSG are maintaining their dream of winning all the trophies this spring. With this in mind, he regained his confidence before going to Lyon on Sunday, for a decisive shock for the title, where the superstar Neymar could return. Then there will be a new meeting against LOSC, on April 3.
