Ligue 1: PSG settles for a draw in Nice and leaves the lead in the standings in Monaco

Paris Saint-Germain traveled this Sunday evening to the Allianz Riviera to face Nice at the end of the 7th day of Ligue 1. Dispossessed of the lead in the championship by Monaco, the capital club must win to regain its place of leader. The Parisians are expected after the defeat against Arsenal (2-0) a few days ago in the Champions League. Opposite, the Niçois are in doubt, 11th in the championship and a beating received Thursday in Rome against Lazio (4-1) in the Europa League. Luis Enrique remains faithful to his 4-3-3. Gigio Donnarumma in goal, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes on the sides of the defense, Marquinhos with Willian Pacho in the axis. In the middle, Joao Neves and Warren Zaire-Emery were accompanied by Fabian. Finally in attack, Randal Kolo Muani was center forward, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola on the wings. Among the Aiglons, Franck Haise maintained his 3-4-2-1. From the classic in defense, in midfield Tanguy Ndombélé made his return as a starter and will be associated with Hicham Boudaoui. Finally in attack, Mohamed-Ali Cho was back and accompanied Evann Guessand and Jérémie Boga.

Served in the Parisian area. Guessand went off-center on the right side and then crossed in front of the goal, Donnarumma is short, but no Nice player was present at the far post (4th). Once again found in a good position, Guessand resisted Pacho well and then crossed in front of the goal, Cho felt the blow, but he missed a few centimeters to take this offering (5th). On a very good cross from Clauss on the right side, Cho won with a header in front of Ruiz. Gianluigi Donnarumma released this ball with a superb reflex on the ground on his line (13th). During a first period dominated by the locals, Ali Abdi then opened the scoring. He saw the ball fall at his feet, he struck with the left and the ball ended up in the back of the net after a slight deflection from Nuno Mendes (39th, 1-0). This is Ali Abdi’s first goal this season in Ligue 1. The Parisians were completely harmless despite clear possession of the ball. Nuno Mendes’ perfect volley stopped by Bulka was PSG’s only clear opportunity (37th). Note the yellow cards for Hakimi and Marquinhos for virulent protests (36th). PSG has been behind in its last 3 trips in official competition. Its worst series since February-March 2022 (4).

Nuno Mendes’ quick response!

The return from the locker room was very positive for Luis Enrique’s players. Quickly, Dembélé from outside the area attempted a sudden and powerful shot. It was on target, but Bulka intervened accurately at his near post (47th). Twirling to his side, Dembélé then served Nuno Mendes at the edge of the area. The Portuguese shot with his right foot and deceived Bulka with this shot which ended in the small left net, Bombito having slightly deflected the shot (52nd, 1-1). Nuno Mendes is the 10th PSG player to find the net in Ligue 1 this season. Immediately afterwards, Barcola got into a striking position after a nice pass from Fabian Ruiz, Bulka closed well at his near post (53rd). Determined to strike hard, Paris wanted to follow up with a big opportunity from Marquinhos who hit the post. The captain threw himself on this diving cross coming from the left, he emerged at the far post and saw the ball hit the post head-on (54th).

Nice nevertheless tried to get its head above water. Clauss actually picked up speed on the right to enter the area. He then tried to serve Cho at the far post at ground level but Marquinhos defended well with a tackle, he was very close to scoring against his side (59th). Bulka then stopped Vitinha’s shot. Very good acceleration from Barcola on the left side who then centered towards his midfield, the Portuguese’s shot was blocked by the Nice goalkeeper (75th). At the end of the match, Paris tried everything to bring Nice down to the wire. Very good defense from Bombito on a vicious and dangerous ball from Barcola in front of the goal. A valuable intervention because Asensio was close to finishing (84th). Dembélé was found by Lee in the area. He got into a striking position, his shot was blocked on the ground by Bulka (85th). And this is how the two teams parted with a draw (1-1), allowing Monaco to end this day at the top of the championship. Paris nevertheless locks in its 28th consecutive match without defeat away in Ligue 1.