PSG 0-1 Lyon: Paris Saint-Germain ran into an unexpected loss of points on Sunday. The lost duel with Olympique Lyon provided more material for discussion at the Parisian star formation.
Painful evening for PSG with plenty to talk about
The uncertain future of Lionel Messi dominated the news in Paris last week. The hard core of PSG has its own thoughts about a possible departure of the Argentine, as witnessed by the cautious whistle concerts in the run-up to the duel with Olympique Lyon.
After the first 45 minutes of that game, there was material for another discussion. Penalties were the talking point of the first half. After more than half an hour, Olympique Lyonnais had received one after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had made a mistake at Alexandre Lacazette. Despite looks of murdered innocence at the Italian goalie, the ball hit the spot. Lacazette missed this perfect opportunity. The ball ended up on the post.
On the stroke of half time it was PSG that claimed a penalty after hands from Dejan Lovren. But this time too, referee François Letexier was deaf to the home team’s arguments, to the visible anger of technical director Luis Campos, among others.
The course of the second half will only have reinforced that dissatisfaction. Because PSG faced a deficit in the 56th minute. Bradley Barcola was the celebrated man at Les Gones. The home team failed to come up with an adequate answer. The team of trainer Christophe Galtier struggled to the final signal.
Due to the second home defeat in a row, PSG’s lead has not been jeopardized, although the lead over closest competitors RC Lens and Olympique Marseille has crumbled to six points.
Henry comes with advice to Messi after booing at Parc des Princes
Thierry Henry would welcome Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona. The former top striker was in Parc des Princes on Sunday, where Messi was again whistled by part of the Paris Saint-Germain supporters.
Messi was booed before the match, when PSG’s line-up was announced, by part of the French top club’s supporters. That was not the first time this season. “I find it embarrassing that Messi is being booed here at Parc des Princes,” said Amazon Prime analyst Henry. “Why are you going to whistle one of the best players on your team, with thirteen goals and assists this season?”
Barcelona recently announced that it will attempt to bring Messi back to Camp Nou next summer. Former Barcelona teammate Henry would welcome a return: “I would like to see Leo end his career in Europe, at Barça. I don’t know if he wants to because of the way Leo had to leave Barcelona. But for the love of the sport he should go back to Barça.”
