Lionel Messi and Neymar faced jeers and whistles from the PSG supporters even as Les Parisiens sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bordeaux.
After the midweek debacle at the Santiago Bernabeu, Paris Saint-Germain got back to winning ways on Sunday, securing a vital 3-0 victory over Bordeaux. The victory takes them a step closer towards reclaiming the Ligue 1 title, with Les Parisiens currently holding a mammoth 15-point lead at the top of the table.
It was a shoddy start to the game for PSG, who were rattled by their own fans as they jeered Lionel Messi and Neymar for their disappointing performances in midweek. It allowed Bordeaux to create some early chances and test Keylor Navas between the sticks. However, PSG’s quality soon prevailed when Kylian Mbappe netted the opener in the 24th minute.
While Bordeaux didn’t back down in their search for an equaliser, the hosts were simply immense, especially when it came to winning possession back in dangerous areas. As such, the visitors ended up conceding another in the 52nd minute, thanks to a bit of magic from Lionel Messi as he opened up the Bordeaux defence with a delightful pass to Achraf Hakimi, who set Neymar up for the goal.
Nine minutes later, Leandro Paredes was at hand to score the third and seal three points for PSG in this vital Ligue 1 encounter. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will take a look at how the PSG players performed in their comfortable 3-0 victory over Bordeaux this weekend.
Keylor Navas: 6.5/10
Starting ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Keylor Navas fared well in between the sticks and looked alert during the opening exchanges when Bordeaux threatened the Parisians’ backline. He didn’t have to work too much, but it was a deserved clean sheet for the goalkeeper.
Achraf Hakimi: 7.5/10
Achraf Hakimi produced an improved display at right-back. He offered a lot of support going forward, using his pace to make darting runs behind the backline. One of his forays down the flanks led to the second goal for PSG as he capitalised on Messi’s delightful pass to square the ball to Neymar.
La passe pour Hakimi c’est un immense délice.
pic.twitter.com/kpI3BUoot0— Marciano Mikael (@mikael_marciano) March 13, 2022
Marquinhos: 6.5/10
Marquinhos made a slow start to the game as he got startled by Bordeaux’s early pressure. He eventually settled into the game as time progressed, ultimately producing a solid shift at the heart of the backline. He will be delighted with his performance, especially after a nightmarish evening against Karim Benzema in the last game.
Presnel Kimpembe: 6.5/10
Presnel Kimpembe was quite lucky to get away with a last-minute challenge that looked like a foul. Nevertheless, the Frenchman offered excellent defensive support to Marquinhos and emerged as one of the best defensive players this afternoon.
Nuno Mendes: 7/10
Nuno Mendes looked positive at left-back. He was willing to make darting runs across the flank, providing width for Mauricio Pochettino’s team. He was always a passing outlet out wide as well and will be hoping to maintain this form in the coming matches.
Danilo Pereira: 6/10
Danilo Pereira was asked to operate as a holding midfielder once again. He was a key presence in defence as he provided security to the backline. But he wasn’t much of use when Bordeaux did pump men forward.
Leandro Paredes: 7.5/10
Leandro Paredes was among the best performers in this PSG win over Bordeaux. The Argentine looked in supreme touch in the middle of the park, offering security in possession while establishing himself as an additional passing option in the final third. His ventures going forward were ultimately rewarded around the hour mark when he netted PSG’s third of the afternoon.
Paredes! What a brilliant finish. pic.twitter.com/RzhndFHrkY
— ????? (@Deedan_) March 13, 2022
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6/10
Wijnaldum made a promising start to the game as he crafted an assist for Mbappe’s opener. Unfortunately, the former Liverpool man couldn’t build on that moment, and his influence on the proceedings faded as the game progressed.
Lionel Messi: 7/10
It was a difficult game for Lionel Messi, who had to withstand the jeers from his own sets of fans at Parc des Princes. Nevertheless, the Argentine magician tried his best to make things happen in the final third, often trying to involve himself at the heart of most moves for his team. He deserves credit for the second goal as well, though the attacker might have hoped for an even better outing.
Kylian Mbappe: 7.5/10
Kylian Mbappe was the only player who was cheered on by the PSG players and for good reasons, as the Frenchman struck the first blow in the 24th minute. He was always a threat for the Bordeaux defence due to his pace and link-up play in the final third. Although he failed to extend his tally in the second half, his overall involvement in the proceedings was quite commendable.
Neymar: 7/10
Neymar deserves credit for holding his own amid fierce jeers from the PSG fans. He stuck to the task and tried his best to bail his team out. Although it wasn’t the most clinical effort from the Brazilian, he did score the all-important second goal and was the creator of many chances in the final third.
Messi and Neymar were booed at while Mbappe was cheered on during introductions ??
(via @andionrubia) pic.twitter.com/YdOqEzsYlF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 13, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Abdou Diallo: N/A
A late replacement for Mendes. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Thilo Kehrer: N/A
A late replacement for Hakimi. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Julian Draxler: N/A
A late replacement for Wijnaldum. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
