PSG won 2-1 against Toulouse, Saturday at the Parc des Princes, at the opening of the 22ᵉ Ligue Day 1. But the Parisians were feverish and deplored a new injured one ten days before the reception from Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
by MO12345LEMONDE
It is written that nothing will be easy for Paris Saint-Germain at the start of 2023. PSG defeated Toulouse (2-1) on its lawn of the Parc des Princes, Saturday February 4, during the first Match of the 22 e day of Ligue 1. In the ranking, Paris remains at the top of the championship with 8 points ahead of Marseille and Lens, who face Nice and Brest respectively on Sunday. But the figures are misleading: Lionel Messi and his teammates were more disturbing than reassuring during this meeting where the Toulouse believed that they could return to the score until the last moments of the match
Three days after the victory in Montpellier (3-1), but especially the loss of Kylian Mbappé, absent at least three weeks because of an ischio-leg injury, Paris did not start its game in the best way. Toulouse quickly opened the brand on a free kick thanks to its specialist Branco van den boomen (1-0, 20 e ). The Dutchman struck on the open side and surprised goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, not free from all reproach.
Always not exciting in the game, PSG has recovered from individual initiatives. The first signed Achraf Hakimi allowed Parisians to equalize. Shifted on the right side, the Moroccan has transplanted in the axis to wrap a magnificent strike of the left foot in the small net of Maxime DuPé (1-1, 38
Lack of inspiration
The second came from the only member of the trio of stars still standing: Lionel Messi. Following a breakthrough of Achraf Hakimi, the Argentinian instantly picked up the ball of his left foot to wrap him out of the reach of the Toulouse goalkeeper (2-1, 58
Above all, Christophe Galtier deplored a new injury just ten days from the round of 16 go to the Champions League against Bayern Munich. After less than a quarter of an hour of play, Renato Sanches left his tears partners, visibly touched in the thigh and marked emotionally by a new physical glitch. This injury is added to those of Neymar, Sergio Ramos and therefore Kylian Mbappé.
In addition to its infirmary which fills day by day, PSG has not reassured at the start of a primordial February for the rest of its season. In addition to the trip to Marseille, Wednesday, February 8, in the round of 16 of the French Cup and the reception of Bayern Munich (February 14), Paris must in particular move to Monaco and again at OM, on behalf of Championship.
“After the World Cup, it took us time to find the form and our automatisms, estimated Maquinhos, the Brazilian captain of PSG, at the microphone of Amazon Prime. In bad times, we must take the Points and continue to go forward. The [key players] injuries are a shame. We will have to do without them and be strong. “” It is not an easy victory, also recognizes the Young El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who replaced Sanches. We won thanks to our state of mind. Neymar and Kylian [Mbappé] were not there, but we won. And I am sure we will still win a lot of ‘Other matches. “
Often feverish, disturbing at the edge of a period when their opponents are likely to be more dangerous than Toulouse, Parisians will not be able to be satisfied with a dose of optimism and a coué method to achieve their goals high, especially in the Champions League.