Winner in Strasbourg, PSG resumes its march forward

After a rich and informative month of January, Paris is getting to the heart of the matter. The first round against Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Champions League is emerging on the horizon. In this context, each outing of the French champions is akin to a dress rehearsal for the major events to come. Strasbourg was the first of these obstacles, this Friday evening, during a trip preceding a series of three matches at the Parc des Princes for the capital club.

Paris let the storm pass

Used to rotating, Luis Enrique suffered several absences for this match in Alsace. Still deprived of Skriniar, Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes, the Spaniard also had to cope without Hakimi, still just after his elimination from the CAN with Morocco, nor Kang-in Lee, engaged in the Asian Cup with South Korea. In attack, the young Barcola was suspended after his expulsion against Brest, 5 days ago (2-2).

One thing is certain: you shouldn’t arrive late at La Meinau this Friday evening. The Alsatian public got their money’s worth, during a completely incredible first act, where certain actors traveled through all states. We obviously think of Alaa Bellaarouch. Promoted to number 1 after the departure to England of Matz Sels in the final hours of the transfer window, the Moroccan goalkeeper of Racing first experienced a strong moment, diverting Mbappé’s attempt with a fairly generous penalty after a strike from Kolo Muani ( 6th).

Mbappé-Asensio took care of everything

But Bellaarouch was much less happy in a sequence of Parisian pressing where his recovery benefited Asensio, decisive for Mbappé, who this time did not tremble to push the ball into the empty goal (0-1, 31st) . Before and after that, there was something for everyone. Far from being intimidated, Patrick Vieira’s men hit the ground running. And the scenario of this match would perhaps have been completely different if Donnarumma had not pulled off a save from elsewhere a few seconds after kick-off, on a point-blank shot from Dion (1st).

Strasbourg was not unworthy

Overall, Strasbourg lived up to the event. But after the opening score, the Parisians shifted gears by freezing the ball to gain control. Especially since the second act started in the best way for the French champions, who made the break with a marvelous counter-attack started by Mbappé and concluded by Asensio (0-2, 49th). Involved in 4 goals in 2 matches, the Spaniard confirms his rise in pace in recent weeks. The attempted revolt in Strasbourg with the reduction of Bakwa’s score (1-2, 68th) relaunched the debates, without changing the outcome. Despite a wild end to the match, Paris retained its advantage. A result which allows the capital club to resume its march forward to widen the gap at the top of Ligue 1.