Paris Saint-Germain – RC Lens: The Title Decider (3-1)

RC Lens came out with an impressive approach in this crucial match against Paris Saint-Germain but quickly found themselves down to ten men. In a short and brilliant burst, this game was decided and so too was the league. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.

All eyes in France were on the result of this game to see if there would be a title race in Ligue 1. League leaders Paris Saint-Germain sit six points ahead of their visitors for the night RC Lens. Victory for the Parisians would likely put an end to any threat of a season without silverware, whereas for Lens it would open up the most unexpected of possibilities for a team that started the season simply hoping for a return to Europe. 

PSG has experienced a disastrous return following the World Cup break, out of the Coupe de France and the Champions League, and with their lead at the top of the table cut down following a run of two losses. A team that was purring before the World Cup has stuttered and begun to fall apart, performances have dropped, injuries have begun to add up, putting pressure on manager Christophe Galtier.

PSG were set up in Galtier’s favored 3-5-2 formation with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, and a back three of Danilo Pereira, Sergio Ramos, and Marquinhos. At wing-back Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi with a midfield trio of Carlos Soler, Fabián Ruiz, and Vitinha. Up front, the strike partnership of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.

RC Lens have been a model of consistency this season, with only three losses in the league under manager Frank Haise. There is positivity within this team and . . .