Paris Saint-Germain continued their Ligue 1 resurgence, securing a slim but crucial victory against Lens, a team known for their strong defensive record under Will Still. This win, PSG’s third in a row, gives them a chance to extend their lead atop the league standings after Monaco’s recent slip. The game marked a shift in PSG’s attacking setup, as Luis Enrique returned Marco Asensio to the starting lineup, moving Ousmane Dembélé back to his preferred position on the right wing after several matches in the false nine role.
PSG struck early, thanks to a well-coordinated play involving their talented French wingers. Bradley Barcola’s low cross found Dembélé, who slotted the ball into an open net to give the hosts a lead within the opening minutes. Throughout the first half, PSG maintained control, creating several chances that could have extended their lead. Dembélé nearly added another goal with a curling effort that grazed the post, while Asensio’s attempts were thwarted by a sharp Brice Samba in goal for Lens.
Lens Struggle After Khusanov’s Red Card
Despite PSG’s early control, Lens showed resilience, mounting pressure on the hosts in the second half through Mbala Nzola’s strong hold-up play and Andy Diouf’s driving runs. However, Lens’s momentum took a blow when Abdukodir Khusanov received a red card for a high challenge on Hakimi following a VAR review. This dismissal left Lens with ten men, forcing them to rely even more on defensive efforts.
Although PSG enjoyed a numerical advantage, they struggled to convert their chances into a second goal. Samba continued to deny them with confident saves, and despite PSG’s dominance in possession, the visitors’ compact defense left them little room to create clear-cut chances.
Signs of Inefficiency Haunt PSG Ahead of Champions League Clash
As the final whistle blew, PSG’s narrow win underscored a troubling lack of clinical finishing, an issue that may prove costly against tougher opposition in their midweek Champions League fixture against Atlético Madrid. While PSG extended their league lead, the inability to finish off a stretched Lens defense could be an area of concern for Luis Enrique as his side prepares for a critical European showdown.
Lens, meanwhile, face their own challenges, with Khusanov’s suspension and Sotoca’s injury adding to Will Still’s selection woes. Following back-to-back losses, the Artois club will need to refocus quickly to regain their early-season form and keep pace in a competitive Ligue 1 campaign.
