PSG, beaten by Monaco, let the Lille leader slip away

Mathematically, it’s a bad deal for the Paris-SG. Psychologically, it is a warning: the champagne evenings of the Champions League do not guarantee any immunity for the return to the traditional championship of France.

The Parisians beaten at home by Monaco (2-0), Sunday February 21, five days after their majestic performance in Barcelona (4-1), lost precious points in the race for the national title, leaving Lille, a solid winner in Lorient (4-1), take the lead after the 26e day of the French Championship.

Read also Ligue 1: return to earth for PSG, drily beaten by Monaco
  • Monaco brings down Paris (2-0)

By losing at the Parc des Princes, PSG fell violently from its Barcelona cloud against a Monaco team which confirms its sparkling form: with eight victories in nine league matches in 2021, the Principality’s club, fourth, returns two lengths from his evening opponent.

His trainer Nico Kovac found the formula, when Pochettino, who arrived in early January, is still looking. ASM has well deserved its victory. His intense pressing completely shut down PSG, still deprived of the injured Neymar and Di Maria. With a Verratti replacing at kick-off and a Mbappé, transparent, the Parisians have produced almost nothing in attack.

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The contrast is striking with Monaco who opened the scoring on his first beautiful movement concluded by the diving header of Sofiane Diop (0-1, 6e). From the 6e minute of the second half, ASM scored again thanks to Maripan’s fourth goal in eight matches, an impressive total for a center-back.

So comfortable against the giants of Europe, Paris is definitely struggling against the greats of France this season. He took just one point in four games against the members of the top four – a draw in Lille. Today it only points to third place, one point behind Lyon, winner 3-2 in Brest on Friday, and especially four lengths from Lille.

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  • Lille impresses in Lorient (4-1)

The fourth and last Lille goal in Lorient is signed Domagoj Bradaric, Sunday February 21.

After a disappointing draw against Brest (0-0) and a defeat without relief in 16es go Europa League against Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday (2-1), Lille regained color by delivering a successful performance in Lorient, earlier in the afternoon, concluded with the final score of 4 goals to 1.

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The opening of the logical score by the Northerners came from a recovery of Mehmet Celik diverted by Andraew Gravillon, who took his goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer on the wrong foot (0-1, 20e).

If Lorient equalized on his first opportunity thanks to Moffi (1-1, 23e) Lille reacted quickly with the goal, a quarter of an hour later, from defender José Fonte with a powerful strike from the right at the entrance to the area (2-1).

In the second half, on a free kick placed at the entrance to the area, Jonathan Ikoné allowed his people to take off (1-3, 59th) then Domagoj Bradaric closed the mark (1-4, 90 + 1) .

What to continue to dream of an unexpected coronation? The program is tough for Losc by early May, with OM, Monaco, Paris and Lyon to challenge… But the suspense is total, with four teams in six points at the top of the standings.

The 26th day of Ligue 1 at a glance

Brest – Lyon 2 – 3

Saint-Etienne – Reims 1 – 1

Nantes – Marseille 1 – 1

Montpellier – Rennes 2 – 1

Strasbourg – Angers 0 – 0

Lens – Dijon 2 – 1

Nice – Metz 1 – 2

Nîmes – Bordeaux 2 – 0

Lorient – Lille 1 – 4

Paris SG – Monaco 0 – 2

1. Lille 58 points

2. Lyon 55 pts

3. Paris SG pts

4. Monaco 52 pts

5. Lens 40 pts

6. Metz 38 pts

7. Marseille 38 pts (25 matches)

8. Rennes 38 pts (25 matches)

9. Montpellier 38 pts

10. Angers 35 pts

11. Bordeaux 33 pts

12. Brest 31 pts

13. Reims 30 pts

14. Saint-Etienne 30 pts

15. Strasbourg 29 pts

16. Nice 29 pts

17. Nantes 23 pts

18. Lorient 23 pts (25 matches)

19. Nîmes 21 pts (25 matches)

20. Dijon 15 pts

The World with AFP

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