Lionel Messi scored a blinder as PSG secured the Ligue 1 by clinching a point against RC Lens on Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain successfully reclaimed Ligue 1 title thanks to a 1-1 draw with RC Lens on Saturday. It was another sketchy performance from the league leaders, but a draw meant second-placed Marseille are now mathematically incapable of keeping up with the Parisian juggernaut, with just four matchdays remaining until the season comes to a close.
Heading into this game on the back of an excellent run of form, PSG looked far from their usual self. Especially during the initial phase of the game, they lacked the usual dominance, even allowing Lens to make multiple forays into the final third. PSG did eventually find their footing and relentlessly attacked the Lens defence.
But they were unable to test Jean-Louis Leca in between the sticks for a large part of the proceedings. In fact, it required a moment of brilliance from none other than Lionel Messi to break the deadlock, with the Argentine shooting from outside the box to deceive Leca in the 67th minute.
PSG were close to sealing the game by scoring another but their lack of end product in the final third meant Lens had the opportunity to equalise late in the game. And when the chance did arrive, Corentin Jean made no mistake, latching on to Deiver Machado’s driven cross to level the scoring and hand his side a valuable point.
Here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their disappointing draw with Lens this weekend.
Keylor Navas: 6/10
Despite Lens’ effort going forward, Keylor Navas wasn’t asked to make any crucial save at any point in the game as most of their attempts on goal failed to hit the target. He was called into action late in the proceedings, but a dangerous cross from Machado left the PSG goalkeeper confused as Jean eventually found the back of the net.
Marquinhos: 6.5/10
Marquinhos performed well on the right side of the back three. He wasn’t afraid to make forays down the flanks and link up with Hakimi in the final third. Defensively, the PSG captain barely put a foot wrong and led his team well, though he will be disappointed to have conceded the late equalizer.
Sergio Ramos: 5/10
Sergio Ramos did not have the best of outings against Lens. Operating at the heart of the back three, the experienced defender looked shaky at times defensively. He wasn’t afraid to camp himself in the attacking third but missed a glorious opportunity to put the game to bed in the second half.
❗Sergio Ramos celebrating a goal scored by Lionel #Messi ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EfVF18iWp0
— FC Barcelona Fans Nation (@fcbfn_live) April 23, 2022
Presnel Kimpembe: 7/10
Presnel Kimpembe was arguably the most impressive PSG centre-back on the night. He wasn’t involved much in the attacking play, but his defensive game was solid enough, as he kept a close check on Florian Sotoca.
Achraf Hakimi: 6.5/10
Operating in his preferred right wing-back position, Achraf Hakimi wasn’t as useful as he was in the last game. He was involved heavily in the attacking game, linking up well alongside Messi and Neymar. But none of his crosses were particularly deadly while the former Dortmund man also missed an opportunity to score in the first half.
Marco Verratti: 6.5/10
Back into the side after a slight niggle in midweek, Marco Verratti offered the creative essence in the final third. His ability to carry the ball around half-spaces made it easier for PSG to transition from midfield to attack. He was less inspired than usual, but it was a decent shift nonetheless.
Idrissa Gueye: 7/10
It was one of those games where Idrissa Gueye managed to outshine Verratti. The former Evertonian was extremely useful in the second line of press, recovering balls at will and spraying passes all around the park. A vital cog in the PSG midfield.
Nuno Mendes: 5/10
Nuno Mendes was one of the least impressive performers in this draw with Lens. The young fullback offered little to no creativity going forward and switched off defensively late in the game, leaving his marker Jean completely free to score the equaliser in the 88th minute.
Lionel Messi: 7.5/10
Lionel Messi was at his creative best in this draw with Lens. He looked like the only bright spark in the PSG frontline, offering creativity, and linking up well with his teammates. He was the architect behind many of the chances created, but it was his sensational effort from range that helped PSG break the deadlock. Unfortunately, he didn’t receive enough support from his teammates.
Lionel Messi with an incredible goal for PSG! pic.twitter.com/fMkOdHGjGn
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) April 23, 2022
Kylian Mbappe: 5/10
It was a slightly disappointing display from Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman wasn’t able to showcase his pace and trickery in the final third, thanks to some excellent defending from Lens. He also looked wasteful in front of goal, though the attacker did well to create chances on a few occasions.
Neymar: 6.5/10
Neymar wasn’t as anonymous as Mbappe, as he did offer a bit of creative flair from the left flank. His link-up play with Messi looked quite promising and the duo could certainly take the Ligue 1 by storm next season if they remain in the French capital this summer.
Neymar told PSG fans to pace themselves ? pic.twitter.com/3UYkaZlyV4
— GOAL (@goal) April 24, 2022
Substitutes
Angel Di Maria: 6/10
Angel Di Maria was introduced during the final phase of the game, with the Argentine coming on for Hakimi. He wasn’t able to make any huge difference to the proceedings despite coming on the back of an excellent performance against Angers in midweek.
Danilo Pereira: N/A
A late replacement for Gueye. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
