Highly anticipated for several weeks, this Lens-PSG late for the 29th day had taken on a particular dimension in France. Initially presented as a possible turning point in the title race, this clash between the two best French teams of the season had also sparked numerous controversies. At the time, RC Lens was still fully in contact with PSG in the fight for the coronation, giving this poster the scent of a final before its time. Finally, in a very different context, PSG presented itself this evening with the opportunity to be crowned champion in the event of a non-defeat. Buoyed by their recent qualification for the Champions League final, Luis Enrique’s men arrived in full confidence, just like Lensois still engaged in a positive dynamic before their Coupe de France final against Nice on May 22. For this poster, Enrique had chosen to field a team mixing rotations and offensive ambitions. The Spanish technician placed his trust in a particularly attractive offensive quartet made up of Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Doué and Barcola. Young Dro also started in midfield while Mayulu started on the right side of the defense.
Opposite, Pierre Sage had also made several adjustments, notably leaving Saint-Maximin and Thauvin on the bench at kick-off. RC Lens was built around an attacking trio made up of Édouard, Sima and Saïd, with a midfield led by captain Adrien Thomasson, Sarr in central defense and Risser starting in goal. From the start of the match, the Parisians quickly confiscated the ball and imposed their rhythm in the Lens camp. But Luis Enrique’s men had their first scare in the 7th minute on a dangerous cross from Udol, which almost found a taker. After several sequences of possession on both sides, RC Lens created a big opportunity with Édouard, who left alone against Safonov. But the former Parisian came up against the Russian goalkeeper with a shot that was too crushed (17th). While the two teams were neutralizing each other, Dembélé decided to move to the right side and slipped a delicious little bridge over Thomasson in double contact (25th).
Khvicha “Kvaradona” strikes again
As is often the case this season, the two strong men of PSG, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, took matters into their own hands. After Sarr lost the ball caused by the pressing of the Ballon d’Or, Dembélé perfectly served “Kvara”, who adjusted Risser at close range to open the scoring (0-1, 29th). The Georgian thus scored his 19th goal in all competitions this season. The Sang et Or almost equalized a few moments later. On a cross from Ruben Aguilar from the right, Odsonne Édouard missed his header at the near post, before Wesley Saïd in turn missed the target with a header just behind him. Just before the break, Safonov saved PSG with a huge reflex save in front of Wesley Saïd, alone at point blank range after a back cross from Aguilar. After returning from the locker room, Luis Enrique decided to replace Barcola, who was too shy this evening, with Vitinha in order to regain control of the ball and calm down the pace.
Despite this, Lens continued to push and came close to equalizing again in the 54th minute. Launched behind the Parisian defense, Abdallah Sima overtook Lucas Hernández before striking, but Safonov intervened again. The ball then returned to the axis for Édouard, whose recovery flew over the frame. A hard blow then for Lens with the exit due to a muscular injury of Baidoo, forced to give up his place. In the process, Florian Thauvin and Allan Saint-Maximin came into play to try to revive the Sang et Or. Clearly, the Lensois lacked success… First on a dangerous strike from Saint-Maximin, deflected and passed just over, then on a huge opportunity in the 74th minute: found by Thauvin in the area, Sima curls a cross shot, but sees the ball crashing onto the right post, while Safonov was totally beaten.
The meeting was also marked by the entries of young Parisian Titis, notably that of Dimitri Lucea, who honored his very first appearance with the professionals. Florian Thauvin briefly thought he was getting Lens back into the game. Launched on a ball from Allan Saint-Maximin, he adjusted Safonov in the area, but the goal was immediately disallowed for offside. Thus, PSG was able to manage its advantage and make the break thanks to Mbaye, author of a superb strike for (0-2), before controlling the end of the match and delaying until the end to afford this Ligue 1 shock. With this important success at Bollaert, PSG thus won its 14th Ligue 1 title. The Parisians can now look forward to an even bigger meeting, with the Champions League final against Arsenal. In Budapest, on May 30, they will have the opportunity to retain their European title and further mark the club’s history. In the meantime, Luis Enrique’s men can enjoy.
