PSG player ratings as they beat Stade Brest 2-0 courtesy of a Romain Faivre own goal and a Kylian Mbappe strike on the final day of the 2020/21 Ligue 1 season.
With their Ligue 1 title on the line, PSG came into the game knowing that a win was necessary while they would also need Lille to drop points if they were to retain the crown. And they made a pretty steady start and had a great chance to take the lead over Brest in the 18th minute when Angel Di Maria won a penalty but Neymar fluffed his lines from the spot.
The champions seemed to have gotten flustered after the miss as they looked disjointed from that point on but were nevertheless able to take the lead in the 37th time when Di Maria’s corner was deflected into his own net by Brest’s Romain Faivre. Les Parisiens were quite below their best after the break as well, with Brest looking more threatening in attack, forcing Keylor Navas into action on a few occasions.
However, star man Kylian Mbappe made it 2-0 in the 71st minute after being sent through by Di Maria, tapping into an empty net on the follow-up after his initial effort was blocked. Substitute Mauro Icardi had a chance to add a third goal while Navas made another stop to keep the hosts from scoring, with the game ending in a 2-0 win.
But with Lille securing a 2-1 win over Angers in their game, they were crowned the new champions of France, with Mauricio Pochettino & co. finishing as the runners-up. Here are our player ratings for the PSG stars following a scratchy 2-0 win over Brest.
Keylor Navas: 7/10
Crucial yet again for PSG, the former Real Madrid shot-stopper made as many as five saves on the night, most of them in the second period, to keep his team’s noses ahead. A well-earned clean sheet for the Costa Rican who has been a standout for the Parisian outfit this term.
Keylor Navas.
That's it. That's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/jWUj7U3U3M
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 23, 2021
Colin Dagba: 5.5/10
Not worked a great deal defensively and did well on the rare occasion he was called into action. But the 22-year-old hardly offered anything in terms of attacking output on the right flank on a night when PSG could have used with added attacking support.
Marquinhos: 6.5/10
Apart from a sloppy moment in the second half, the PSG skipper was largely solid on the night, sweeping up whatever came his way, as he made four clearances while also being fairly accurate with his distribution from the back.
Presnel Kimpembe: 5.5/10
Not as assured as his defensive partner, the French international had a few hairy moments in the second half with his missed tackle creating a chance for the hosts while another mishit backpass to Navas caused nerves.
Abdou Diallo: 5.5/10
Not the most comfortable outing for the former Borussia Dortmund defender at left-back as Brest constantly tried to exploit his flank and were even successful at times in doing so. Played a role in the buildup to PSG’s second goal of the night, though.
Mauricio Pochettino is still missing a league title to his name ⏳ pic.twitter.com/Eb5HXXI5iY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 23, 2021
Ander Herrera: 6/10
Booked in the first half which meant he had to keep his discipline for the rest of the night, which he managed to. But was dull and devoid of any creativity or thrust from the centre of the park, although he did make one key pass, while also making a couple of tackles.
Danilo Pereira: 6.5/10
Sitting the deepest of the three central midfielders for PSG, the Portuguese international did his job well in the middle. Cut out threats, offered calmness and composure on the ball. Even came close to scoring with a headed effort in the second half.
Rafinha: 5/10
A surprise starter on the night, the former Barcelona ace was included in the side to offer some creativity from the middle but failed to do so. Played it sideways or backwards most of the times. Did work hard off the ball (5 tackles won), but underwhelming in general.
Angel Di Maria: 7/10
Di María scores from a corner!!! ?
Missed a penalty, scored from a corner, this game is something else ? pic.twitter.com/F9z5Di26SP
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 23, 2021
Looked the likeliest to make things happen for PSG in the final third. Won the penalty after a good run into the box before forcing the opening goal with a dangerous corner kick. Then proceeded to set Mbappe up for the second goal with a fine pass after the break. Taken off soon after.
Kylian Mbappe: 6.5/10
A quiet opening period for the World Cup winner, who did little of note in the first 45. Did well to pounce upon Di Maria’s pass to round the Brest goalkeeper and score the second one. Could have had another soon after but saw his effort get saved.
Neymar: 5/10
Not his night. Looked nervy stepping up to take the penalty and fired it wide. Booked not long after for dissent. Did show a few nice moments on the ball and created a few chances for his teammates but nowhere near his best.
Brest goalkeeper Larsonneur stood on the right side of his goal to try and trick Neymar.
Neymar didn't even hit the target ? pic.twitter.com/z3V79fWyiv
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 23, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Mauro Icardi: 5/10
Thrown on in place of Di Maria in the 72nd minute. Missed a chance soon after coming on.
Idrissa Gueye: 5/10
Replaced Rafinha with less than twenty minutes left. Helped PSG see out the game.
