PSG’s League Lead at Risk as Mbappé Sidelined Again in Draw

French league leader Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced another setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Reims on Sunday.

The absence of star forward Kylian Mbappé from the starting lineup for the second consecutive league game seemed to have a noticeable impact on PSG’s attacking prowess, as they struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match.

Despite holding a commanding 10-point lead over second-place Brest with nine games remaining in the season, PSG’s recent form has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike.

The team’s performance against Reims highlighted their dependency on Mbappé, who was introduced in the 73rd minute but failed to make a significant impact on the game.

Mbappé, who leads the league with 21 goals, had several opportunities to influence the outcome of the match but was unable to find the back of the net.

His frustration was evident as he narrowly missed a curling shot and failed to connect with a bicycle kick attempt. PSG’s head coach, Luis Enrique, opted to rotate his squad in preparation for next season, acknowledging the impending departure of Mbappé this summer.

Speaking after the match, Enrique emphasized the importance of winning games despite PSG’s comfortable lead in the league standings.

“The earlier we win the league, the better,” he stated, underscoring the team’s determination to maintain their dominance domestically.

Reims capitalized on PSG’s defensive lapses early in the match, taking the lead after just seven minutes through midfielder Marshall Munetsi.

A defensive error from PSG’s right back Achraf Hakimi allowed Reims to capitalize on the opportunity, leaving the hosts trailing in the opening stages of the game.

However, PSG managed to equalize ten minutes later when Reims captain Yunis Abdelhamid inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net while attempting to defend a corner.

The hosts seized the momentum and took the lead in the 19th minute through Gonçalo Ramos, who capitalized on a defensive mix-up from Reims to put PSG ahead.

Despite PSG’s efforts to maintain their advantage, Reims fought back and managed to level the score just before halftime.

A well-executed pass from Emmanuel Agbadou found striker Oumar Diakité, whose shot beat PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas and nestled into the back of the net off the post.

The draw against Reims marks PSG’s third consecutive league draw, raising questions about their ability to maintain their dominance in the absence of key players.

With the race for the league title heating up, PSG will need to address their recent shortcomings and regain their winning momentum if they are to secure yet another championship triumph.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members