PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain obtained the hardest take a look at of their season to date in opposition to AS Monaco in Ligue 1 on Sunday. Kevin Volland’s opening objective after 20 minutes at Parc des Princes put Christophe Galtier’s males behind for the primary time this marketing campaign, Neymar did finally degree for the hosts from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw. PSG additionally shaved Alexander Nubel’s woodwork a number of occasions over the course of the 1-1 draw.
Listed below are takeaways from the match:
PSG’s protection
We knew that there have been holes within the backline already, however this was affirmation of that reality with Volland’s objective exposing flaws and Wissam Ben Yedder near including a second simply after the break. Though it was not precisely sufficient to present Galtier sleepless nights, it was the fourth objective conceded in as many Ligue 1 matches, and a mean of 1 in opposition to per match shouldn’t be adequate for a group like PSG. The large distinction right here is that Les Parisiens had been in a position to outscore Montpellier HSC and Lille OSC — not like Monaco.
“Our opponents brought on us many issues,” admitted Galtier after the match. “We lacked mobility and motion. We had been typically with our backs to their objective. I requested for extra mobility within the second half which noticed us create extra probabilities. We deserved to win the second 45.”
Monaco restoration
It has been a sluggish begin to this time period for Philippe Clement’s males and this efficiency maybe relaunches their ambitions after UEFA Champions League elimination and a missing Ligue 1 displaying till now. A thumping by the hands of RC Lens within the principality and a draw in opposition to Stade Rennais was trigger for concern relating to their podium hopes, which had been alleviated to an extent within the capital on Sunday. This was by far the sternest take a look at to date this season for PSG and maybe a extra reasonable indicator as to each groups’ true ranges.
“We labored this technique with our former boss,” mentioned Axel Disasi after the ultimate whistle. “We ready nicely and held up bodily. We additionally stored Neymar and Lionel Messi in our pockets so that’s proof that we labored nicely.”
Vitinha missed
Renato Sanches made his full PSG debut along with his compatriot suspended and judging by the midfield struggles Galtier witnessed, Vitinha could nicely have already made himself extraordinarily vital. The previous solely lasted 63 minutes earlier than he was switched with one other Portuguese midfielder in Danilo Pereira, who added chew and graft within the center. The champions are nonetheless getting used to life below Galtier and in a brand new system, however this midfield mixture already clearly locations nice significance upon new boy Vitinha.
Champions League take a look at
Having been drawn in opposition to Juventus, SL Benfica, and Maccabi Haifa this week, PSG are edging in direction of their Champions League quest getting underway and this was the type of wakeup name they wanted forward of that. Clermont Foot, Montpellier HSC, and Lille OSC had been all the time going to be simpler opponents for Galtier’s males than a Monaco or a Juventus, and this problem can have woken the gamers up to what’s about to return.
“We don’t actually just like the outcome,” admitted Sergio Ramos after the sport. “It was an advanced opponent, however one level taken is all the time higher than none.”
Schedule ramping up
PSG had been having fun with a comparatively serene one sport per week up till this level whereas Monaco have been concerned in European motion since earlier than the Ligue 1 season obtained underway. Maybe that busier begin ready Clement’s aspect higher for this and lured Galtier’s troops into one thing of a false sense of safety. PSG in the end reacted to it, however they’ll get a style of their thickening calendar this coming week once they journey to Toulouse FC.
