Tops
A benchmark match. Very irregular since his arrival last August, Bradley Barcola clearly produced his best performance in the Parisian jersey. The former Lyonnais, lined up in the left lane, really hurt the Sang et Or. As active as he was decisive. After opening the scoring, winning his duel against Samba with great composure, the PSG winger caused Gradit to be sent off at the end of the first period. “Today he was unstoppable,” rejoiced Luis Enrique, very satisfied at the microphone of Prime Video after the meeting.
PSG can also thank Gianluigi Donnarumma. Impassable in 2024, the Italian goalkeeper distinguished himself from the start, by repelling a penalty from Frankowski. Impeccable on his line throughout the match, like his interventions against Wahi at 0-0 or against Sishuba at the end of the match, while Lens pushed to snatch the equalizer. Determining this Sunday, the transalpine international displays greater serenity, after a laborious end to 2023 and marked by several blunders.
He didn’t have his best game of the season. Far from there. Despite everything, Kylian Mbappé was able to be decisive and take care of his statistics. The Parisian star, once again lined up at the forefront, first showed off his passing skills, throwing Barcola perfectly towards the surface to open the score. Unhappy subsequently with his attempts, the captain of the France team finally regained his effectiveness at the very end of the match. His cross shot into the opposite net definitively ensured the victory for his team.
Flops
Forfeited last weekend in the Coupe de France, Jonathan Gradit made his return this Sunday to the Lens defense, alongside his friends Medina and Danso. But the former Caen player did not meet expectations. Not exempt from any reproaches for the Parisian opener, the 31-year-old left his teammates prematurely at the end of the first period. His late intervention on Barcola, initially sanctioned by a simple warning, ultimately led to his expulsion, after intervention from Var. A logical decision, this fault having clearly prevented the Parisian from appearing in front of Samba.
Logically won by PSG, this shock of the 18th day could have taken another turn at the start of the match. Lens had a huge opportunity to open the scoring, with a penalty obtained by Wahi. Przemyslaw Frankowski wanted to take responsibility, but he lost his duel with Donnarumma, who was not surprised by his grazing full-axis strike. A first turning point in this match, which ultimately escaped the silent Sang et Or until the end. Despite a few climbs, the RCL piston did not have enough weight in its right lane throughout the meeting.
