Ligue 1: PSG continue unbeaten run, held at Nantes

It seems Paris Saint-Germain’s attention has shifted to their semifinal clash against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. They were far from their free-flowing best, and they had to settle for a point against FC Nantes.

Meanwhile, the point secured by  Les Canaris is a plus to them as it helps in their bid to avoid relegation, whilst PSG maintain their invincibility in Ligue 1.

This fixture was initially meant to be played in between PSG’s two UEFA Champions League fixtures against Aston Villa. However, it was postponed to aid Les Parisiens’ preparation. 

This led to protests in the stands, and the lengthy messages unfurled in the stands at the Beaujoire were a large part of the spectacle in the first half. As the Ligue 1 champions failed to create much spark, there wasn’t much going on on the pitch in any case. 

PSG expectedly dominated possession and, by the half-hour mark, had had 80% of the ball but failed to create notable chances with it.

PSG’s only shot on target was Ousmane Dembélé’s harmless effort, which painted the picture of the who scenario.

However, the French champions, out of nothing, took the lead as

Vitinha pulled the strings in midfield all night, got on the end of a Lee Kang-in flick in the box, and finished emphatically on the half-volley. 

They had the chance to make it two, but Patrik Carlgren made a brilliant save from João Neves’ half-volley at the far post. 

After being compact to limit  Les Parisiens’ chances going into the break, they ensured that the visitors were then on the back foot for parts of the second half.

The hosts began to create better chances that led to Gianluigi Donnarumma making an excellent save from Jean-Charles Castelletto when the center-back popped up unexpectedly in a goal-scoring position in open-play, and the Italian goalie saved his goal-bound effort.

Vitinha called Carlgren into action again, and the Nantes goalkeeper had more to do to deny substitute Bradley Barcola, who was bearing down on goal as he smothered the Frenchman’s effort. 

Nantes were then rewarded for the goal they deserved in the 83rd minute as Matthis Abline, a thorn in PSG’s side throughout, made the defense-splitting run and teed up Douglas Augusto, who rifled his shot past Donnarumma.

Gonçalo Ramos almost got a late winner but his stoppage-time header cannoned off the bar. 

The point means the unbeaten run of the Ligue 1 leaders remains intact as they hope to complete a historic invincible season, which have never happened in the French top flight.

Nantes are now four points above  Le Havre AC, who occupy the relegation play-off spot.