Nice – Paris Saint-Germain: Stress And A Reprieve For the Parisians In Nice (0-2)

Paris Saint-Germain came away from OGC Nice with a comfortable scoreline in an uncomfortable game. Second best for much of the match, this was a victory that was needed more than it was earned.
Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.

Paris Saint-Germain visited OGC Nice with their Champions League hopes dead for the year and their lead at the top of Ligue 1 reduced to just three points. Two consecutive losses in the league for the first time since September 2020 coupled with a game against second-place RC Lens means that this game has become crucial to the Parisians. However, they could not have asked for more difficult opponents in Nice, who look to extend their incredible unbeaten streak of fourteen games. 

The under-pressure PSG manager, Christophe Galtier used a 3-5-2 with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal behind Danilo Pereira, Sergio Ramos, and Marquinhos. At wing-back Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi with a midfield trio of Carlos Soler, Renato Sanches, and Vitinha. Up front, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. 

The young manager Didier Digard set his Nice side up in a 3-4-1-2 shape using Kasper Schmeichel in goal with a back three of Jean-Clair Todibo, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, and the experienced Dante. In the wing-back roles, Melvin Bard and Antoine Mendy supported Hicham Boudaoui and Khéphren Thuram. Terem Moffi and Nicolas Pépé in attack with Aaron Ramsey in the number ten.

Shifting momentum and a late surge
PSG’s plans were disrupted early into the first half, when Fabián Ruiz came on for the injured Sanches. However, this did not alter the Parisians from attempting . . .

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Nick Hartland is a freelance writer focusing on French football. You can find him @NickHartland_ on Twitter. [ View all posts ]

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