News Focus
- Paris Saint-Germain lose 2-1 to city rivals Paris FC in final Ligue 1 match of season
- Champions receive trophy before kick-off but suffer shock defeat at Stade Jean-Bouin
- Bradley Barcola scores for PSG but Alimami Gory nets twice for hosts including late winner
- Ousmane Dembélé taken off in first half as precaution ahead of Champions League final
- Paris FC complete double over champions following earlier Coupe de France victory
Paris Saint-Germain ended their Ligue 1 campaign with a surprise defeat against local neighbours Paris FC on Sunday evening. The champions lost 2-1 at the Stade Jean-Bouin despite taking the lead early in the second half.
Luis Enrique’s side had already secured the league title during the week. The players received the championship trophy in a simple ceremony one hour before the match started. However, they could not finish the season with a victory.
The match began slowly for the visitors. Paris FC created the first clear chances through Jonathan Ikoné, who previously played for PSG. The winger made dangerous runs down the right flank. Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov made two important saves to keep the scores level.
PSG found it difficult to control possession. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola could not get past their markers on the wings. The home side won the midfield battle and pressed effectively.
A worrying moment came after half an hour when Ousmane Dembélé left the pitch. The French forward did not appear injured, but Enrique replaced him with Gonçalo Ramos as a safety measure. The Ballon d’Or winner must stay fit for the upcoming Champions League final.
After the break, PSG took the lead. Fabián Ruiz sent a low cross from the left side. Barcola arrived at the far post to score his first league goal in two months. The strike put the visitors ahead.
Enrique then made several changes to protect his key players. Senny Mayulu, Kang-in Lee and Ibrahim Mbaye came on to add fresh energy. However, PSG could not extend their lead.
Paris FC found an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining. Substitute Alimami Gory diverted a shot from Pierre Lees-Melou past Safonov and into the net. The goal gave the home supporters hope of a famous result.
The hosts pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Deep into added time, they caught PSG on a counter-attack. Gory ran onto a pass from fellow substitute Luca Koleosho. He rolled the ball into an empty net to seal a 2-1 victory.
The result completed a remarkable record for Paris FC against their wealthy neighbours this term. Antoine Kombouaré’s side had already knocked PSG out of the Coupe de France earlier this season. The mid-table club thus achieved a double over the champions.
Individual performances varied across the pitch. Young defender Dimitri Lucea received a rating of five on his debut before coming off at halftime. Goalscorer Barcola also earned a five, while midfielder Rudy Matondo scored seven for his excellent display. Dembélé did not receive a mark due to his early withdrawal.
PSG will now turn their full attention to the Champions League final. The French giants hope to win the European trophy when they play in two weeks time.