With a view to providing our readers with even richer content, we’ve come up with the idea of launching a section featuring an analysis of the key actions in a match, whether in terms of goals scored or conceded, fine moves, near misses and the like. The aim is to determine how much of each action was a collective or individual success or error. Here’s the new number. This is a sequence from the 1-1 draw with Reims (video summary Reims/PSG) on Matchday 5 of Ligue 1 2024-2025. This is the build-up to the goal conceded in the 9th minute.
The situation when the Reims central defender passes to the middle.
For the moment, PSG are not in danger, but they are off balance. There was an attempt at pressing, but Reims managed to get back behind. This, with a midfield that stands out very well in the middle circle.
João Neves was going towards him, but he couldn’t do so early as he was already on to a player and found himself alone. Lee Kang-In was to blame, indicating his displeasure to Lucas Beraldo instead of continuing to defend. Bradley Barcola is no more active. He could help cover the flank with Willian Pacho at the back, or in the middle to compensate. But he’s at a standstill.
Vitinha could have taken a risk in the middle, but he would have left Marquinhos to duel with the striker, as would Warren Zaïre-Emery on the right. In any case, the Reims midfielder has the space to receive a pass and control the ball forward.
La situation quand le milieu rémois fait la passe.
Neves came to press, but he couldn’t completely block the opponent. Another Reims midfielder was completely alone, while Lee was in discussion with Beraldo. The former should have gone down, while the latter could already be on top of his opponent, anticipating him so that he can’t play forward. He’ll come next, but with a delay.
Barcola is still at a standstill, although he might feel the need to defend. Lastly, Reims could also have looked to the other flank, even if Ousmane Dembélé is relatively present.
The situation after the duel.
Beraldo came out, but with a bit of a delay that he was unable to make up. Certainly out of caution, he retreated as soon as he saw that he couldn’t get the ball back. But this leaves the opposition to play quietly on the right.
There are two Reims players on their own, with Barcola only just starting to get back into the game when he should have been. Just as Lee should be close by to put pressure on the ball carrier.
Pacho finds himself a little blocked. He sees the pass coming down the flank, but would be taking a huge risk by going out: he’s 1-on-2 down the flank and would leave Marquinhos 1-on-2 in the middle, while Zaïre-Emery is a little way off and Vitinha has tried to help out in the middle. The former defends as if he were in his usual midfield position, whereas he should be lower down.
The situation at the moment of the cross.
Pacho was still a long way off, so it was difficult to catch up with a player who is quick and makes quick decisions. Especially as going out on him would have been a big risk.
Marquinhos has two players to catch, with Vitinha and Zaïre-Emery a little way off. The cross arrives a little to his back, a little less to the opponent’s. That’s no excuse for his slightly botched gesture and subsequent lack of responsiveness. But he could have used a little more help. It’s a shame to see some people putting all the blame for the goal on his shoulders.
