Advertisement
Sergio Ramos of PSG during the Ligue 1 match. Alamy Stock Photo
long awaited

6 months on from signing, Sergio Ramos finally makes home debut in PSG win

Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who missed out on the title last season to Lille, had drawn four of their five previous league games.

KYLIAN MBAPPE scored the opening goal as Paris Saint-Germain saw off Brest 2-0 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday to stretch their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 11 points, in a game that saw Sergio Ramos belatedly make his home debut.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who missed out on the title last season to Lille, had drawn four of their five previous league games before second-placed Nice closed to within eight points by beating Nantes 2-1 on Friday.

PSG also remain without Lionel Messi, who is still recovering after testing positive for Covid-19, while the injured Neymar watched on from the stands.

But the capital giants had little trouble in swatting aside Brest as Mbappe made it 10 goals in his last six appearances.

Brest were actually the better team early on and were only denied a surprise ninth-minute lead by a magnificent save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, returning from Covid, to tip away Irvin Cardona’s shot when the visiting striker was clean through inside the area.

But PSG gradually started to take control of the match as the first half progressed and forged ahead in the 32nd minute.

Mbappe collected Georginio Wijnaldum’s pass just inside the area, cut inside his man and drilled a fine strike in off the near post to score his 19th goal of the season.

PSG are still trying to persuade the World Cup-winner to sign a new contract before his current deal runs out at the end of the campaign.

Mauro Icardi had a goal ruled out just before half-time for a foul, before wasting a golden opportunity early in the second period as he turned the ball against the post.

But PSG did double their lead in the 53rd minute, as Nuno Mendes’ trickery created space for a low cross which German defender Thilo Kehrer side-footed home to score his second goal in as many games.

The hosts had several chances to add another goal, but visiting goalkeeper Marco Bizot pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the score down.

One extra bonus for PSG was a home debut for former Real Madrid centre-back Ramos as a late substitute.

Earlier on Sunday, Lens moved into fourth place by coming from behind to win 2-1 at bottom club Saint-Etienne, who are hoping to avoid being relegated for the first time since promotion to the top flight in 2004.

– © AFP 2022

Your Voice
Readers Comments
1
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel