PSG ,Paris Saint-Germain missed a golden opportunity to reclaim the top spot in Ligue 1 as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Nice on Sunday.
This result leaves Monaco comfortably leading the table heading into the October international break. For PSG, the draw was a reminder of their recent inconsistencies, as they’ve now won just one of their last four matches across all competitions.
First Half: Nice Stuns PSG with Deflected Strike
Playing at Allianz Riviera, Nice stunned PSG with a goal late in the first half. Tunisian international Ali Abdi delivered a deflected shot that found its way into the net, leaving PSG trailing 1-0 at halftime.
Nice’s defense was solid, and their counterattacks kept PSG’s backline on their toes throughout the opening 45 minutes. The home fans were ecstatic as their team held a slim but crucial advantage going into the break.
Luis Enrique’s Tactical Shift Changes PSG’s Momentum
After a lackluster first half, PSG’s coach Luis Enrique made a crucial change at halftime. He replaced Randal Kolo Muani with Lee Kang-in, a move that brought new energy to the attack. PSG immediately looked more dangerous, with Lee’s pace and creativity causing problems for Nice’s defense.
The equalizer came in the 52nd minute when Ousmane Dembele set up Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese full-back, playing further up the pitch, unleashed a shot from outside the box with his weaker right foot. While the strike lacked power, it was accurate enough to find the bottom corner, bringing PSG level and reigniting hope for the visitors.
Dembele’s Impactful Return
Ousmane Dembele’s performance was one of the bright spots for PSG. The French winger, who had been surprisingly left out of the squad for PSG’s Champions League defeat to Arsenal, returned with a point to prove.
Dembele’s quick feet and precision passing created multiple opportunities, including testing Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka on several occasions. His return is a positive sign for PSG as they look to maintain their title charge.
However, despite Dembele’s efforts, PSG struggled to find a winning goal. The closest they came was when captain Marquinhos directed a powerful header that struck the post. It was a night of frustration for PSG as they failed to capitalize on key moments.
Monaco surpasses PSG and is the new Ligue 1 leader! pic.twitter.com/RDaUQez9DN
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 6, 2024
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PSG’s Inconsistencies Persist
Luis Enrique’s side, despite their quality, have shown a worrying lack of consistency. Having won just one of their last four matches, PSG’s form heading into the international break is less than ideal.
They remain in second place, two points behind Monaco. A win in Nice would have put them back on top of the table, but the draw leaves them with work to do when they return to action.
Luis Enrique remained optimistic despite the result. “I am especially proud of my team for the way they played in the second half,” he said post-match. “I think it has been a promising start. I like what I am seeing. It is much better than our start to last season, but the important thing is to win the league and compete in all competitions.” The Spanish coach avoided criticizing Kolo Muani, stating that he could have made multiple changes at halftime but chose to adjust based on tactical needs.
Monaco Capitalizes with Victory Over Rennes
Monaco, now clear at the top of Ligue 1, took full advantage of PSG’s slip-up. They secured a 2-1 win away against Rennes on Saturday, with goals from Thilo Kehrer and US international Folarin Balogun. Monaco’s consistent performances have been a highlight this season, and they remain unbeaten heading into the break. Their ability to secure crucial wins, especially away from home, has been key to their strong position in the league standings.
Ligue 1 Highlights: Marseille, Reims, and Lyon Make Their Mark
The weekend also saw Marseille and Reims continue their impressive starts to the season. Marseille were held to a 1-1 draw at home against bottom-club Angers, leaving them five points behind Monaco in third place. Reims, level on points with Marseille but trailing on goal difference, recorded a thrilling 4-2 victory over Montpellier. Zimbabwean star Marshall Munetsi, Japanese international Keito Nakamura, and Ivorian striker Oumar Diakite were all on target for Reims, showcasing their attacking depth. A late penalty by Teddy Teuma sealed the win, keeping them firmly in the top-four race.
Montpellier’s struggles continued as they fell into the relegation zone despite a brace from Arnaud Nordin. The team’s defensive frailties and inability to hold onto leads have become a concern.
Lyon’s resurgence also deserves mention. They claimed their fourth consecutive win across all competitions with a convincing 2-0 victory over Nantes. Nicolas Tagliafico, the Argentine World Cup winner, opened the scoring with a well-timed finish, capitalizing on Said Benrahma’s assist. Lyon doubled their advantage early in the second half when Nantes defender Nicolas Pallois accidentally turned Corentin Tolisso’s low cross into his own net.
Lyon’s resurgence is notable after a poor start to the season, where they won just once in their first five matches. Under coach Pierre Sage, the team has climbed to eighth place in Ligue 1, above Nantes. Their recent form, including a 4-1 triumph over Rangers in the Europa League, signals that they are finally finding their rhythm.
