At the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 against RC Lens on Matchday 4 of Ligue 1. In a match dominated from start to finish, the Parisians displayed their technical and team superiority. While Lens put up a strong fight in the duels, the mastery of Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery made the difference. A detailed look at the overall and individual statistics of this match, in which Bradley Barcola put his team on the right track.
Overall Statistics: Undisputed Domination
Overall Statistics: Paris Sets the Pace
PSG controlled the ball with 68% possession and, above all, clinical precision in their passing (593 passes completed at 93% compared to 273 at 87% for Lens). This figure sums up the tone of the match: a patient Paris, installed in the opposing half, and Lens forced to defend deep.
The Parisians shot 16 times to Lens’ 11, and managed 5 shots on target (compared to 4). The difference in clear-cut chances was narrower than expected, as the xGOT was almost identical (1.16 vs. 1.14). Lens therefore created opportunities, but failed to convert them.
In the opponent’s box, Paris touched the ball 28 times to Lens’ 15, confirming their territorial dominance. However, Lens won 42 duels to Paris’s 34, proving that Pierre Sage’s men sought to respond physically.
Individual Performances
Goalkeepers
Lucas Chevalier (PSG) kept his passes simple (38 balls), without having to overly shine. His xGOT against was only 0.40, proving that Lens did not create any very dangerous chances on target. 3 saves.
Defense
Lucas Hernandez: 102 balls played, 93% pass completion rate, 1 interception. A key link in the first pass.
Ilya Zabarnyi: 100 balls played, 7 recoveries, 100% aerial duels won (2/2). A solid and flawless performance.
Achraf Hakimi: 81 balls played, 2 key passes, 1 successful cross. He caused danger on his right wing.
Nuno Mendes: 22 balls played, a satisfactory introduction.
L. Beraldo: 87 balls played, 92% pass completion rate, good defensive activity. Serious injury?
Midfield
Vitinha: A fantastic performance. 166 balls played, 95% pass completion rate, 2 key passes, 1 assist, 1.66 assist. Playmaker and accelerator of the attack.
Warren Zaïre-Emery: Complete. 79 balls played, 8 out of 12 duels won (a PSG record in this match), 3 successful tackles, and a perfect 4/4 passing in the final third. Impressive maturity.
Lee Kang-In: 41 balls, 2 key passes, influential between the lines, but stereotypical play.
Mayulu: 33 balls, only 1 duel won, limited activity as a substitute, still a little short physically after an injury.
Fabián Ruiz: 40 balls, more discreet role, but his introduction brought a lot to PSG.
Neves: 19 balls
Attack
Bradley Barcola: One of the most dangerous up front. 2 shots on target, xGOT 0.49, constantly provoking the Lens defense.
Gonçalo Ramos: 2 shots, xG 0.18 / xGOT 0.20, lack of finishing efficiency.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Only 30 minutes before his injury, too short to judge his performance.
Conclusion
PSG played a commanding performance: territorial dominance, technical mastery, and sufficient efficiency to win 2-0. The contrast is stark: Lens fought hard but were suffocated by Parisian traffic.
Key Statistics
68% Possession for Paris
593 Passes Completed at 93%
16 Shots to 11 (5 on target each)
28 Touches in the Opponent’s Box vs. 15
Vitinha: 166 Balls, 2 Key Passes, xA 1.66
Zaire-Emery: 8 Duels Won, 100% Final Third Passes (4/4), 100 Tackles Completed (3/3)
PSG Top 3
Vitinha – Maestro, 166 Balls.
Zaire-Emery – Complete and Decisive.
Barcola – Incisive and Dangerous.
PSG Flop 3
Ramos – Ineffective in front of goal.
Lee Kang-In – Active but too little overall impact.
Lucas Hernandez – Big on volume but little verticality.
