Nice 0-2 PSG: Paris Saint-Germain has won again in Ligue 1 after two defeats. On a visit to OGC Nice, it was precisely the criticised Lionel Messi who showed the errant champion of France the way.
Criticised Lionel Messi finds the win for PSG on a difficult evening
The pressure was on for PSG in Nice. French media reported after last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Olympique Lyon that Galtier’s future depended on the results. In the next two league matches. In the event of a defeat visiting his old club. The French trainer knew that his position would only be questioned more.
Despite the poor results of the past few weeks, Galtier stuck to the 5-3-2 system that he pulled out of the closet for the (lost) return against Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the Champions League. That choice paid off midway through the first half when Nuno Mendes came through from the left in his wingback role and enabled Lionel Messi to score.
Despite Lionel Messi’s thirtieth goal in Paris service, PSG had a difficult evening in Nice. Just before the break, Gianluigi Donnarumma prevented Nicolas Pépé’s equaliser with a great save. In the second half, Nice were even closer when Dante saw his effort go off the underside of the crossbar. The ball just didn’t cross the goal line.
Kasper Kasper Schmeichel showed great resilience
Even with former PSV player Pablo Rosario as a substitute within the lines. Nice could not prevent the first defeat in the league since January 2. Donnarumma also showed excellent reflexes in the second half with a header from Jean-Clair Todibo. On the other hand, Kasper Schmeichel was beaten when Sergio Ramos put his head against a corner from Lionel Messi.
For example, it was Lionel Messi, who was booed by his own supporters last week, who proved his worth to PSG at a time when it is much about his future. The 35-year-old Argentine is said to have no intention of extending his expiring contract and has been linked with a return to Barcelona. For the time being, he is the man who averts the crisis in Paris.
