This Saturday, May 2nd, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) faces Lorient (9th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 5 pm, CET) for Matchday 32 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. And as before every match, here’s a look at PSG’s opponent.
Lorient’s situation –
Having been “accustomed” to yo-yoing between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 for several years, Lorient returned to the top flight this season after winning the Ligue 2 title in the 2024-2025 season. A great success for Olivier Pantaloni, who took over as manager in the summer of 2024.
The mission for this season was as clear as it was difficult: to avoid relegation. This comes after a particularly quiet, perhaps even prudent, transfer window (while some clubs overhaul their entire squad upon promotion and then regret it).
The start of the season was quite promising in terms of performance, even if the results took some time to materialize. Lorient enjoyed an excellent start to 2026, securing their place in the league. The last few weeks have been a bit more inconsistent, and their European dream has faded. However, their primary objective has been very well achieved, with the team currently sitting in 9th place.
Summer Transfer Window 2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter Transfer Window 2025/2026 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
None
Key Statistics –
This season, Lorient boasts the 10th best attack in Ligue 1 with 42 goals scored (PSG leads with 68, while Angers and Nantes trail with 26), and is among the 12th best defenses with 47 goals conceded (PSG has the best defense with 25 goals conceded, Metz trails with 70).
Lorient’s top scorer is Bamba Dieng (26-year-old forward), who, with 9 goals, ranks 13th in the league (Esteban Lepaul leads Ligue 1 with 18 goals). Arsène Kouassi (22-year-old left-back) is Lorient’s top assist provider, with 5 assists, ranking 19th in Ligue 1 (Adrien Thomasson leads with 9 assists).
Lorient’s last 5 matches –
Only Lorient’s possession is shown, and Lorient’s shots are listed first (when data is available).
March 21, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Toulouse/Lorient: 1-1. 3-4-2-1 formation. 48% possession. 8 shots, 2 on target, compared to 11 shots (4 on target) for Toulouse.
April 5, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/Paris FC: 1-1. 3-4-2-1 formation. 49% possession. 10 shots, 3 on target, compared to 5 shots (4 on target) for Paris FC.
April 12, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Lyon/Lorient: 2-0. 3-4-2-1 formation. 47% possession. 10 shots, 6 on target, vs. 6 shots (2 on target).
April 18, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/OM: 2-0. Playing a 3-4-2-1 formation. 42% possession. 9 shots, 4 on target, vs. 14 shots (2 on target).
April 26, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/Strasbourg: 2-3. Playing a 3-4-2-1 formation. 42% possession. 12 shots, 5 on target, vs. 10 shots (5 on target).
The squad –
Out – Le Bris, Meïté (injury).
The probable lineup in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Dieng
Pagis – Makengo
Kouassi – Abergel – Cadiou – Katseris
Silva – Talbi – Faye
Mvogo
Lorient’s playing style.
Despite being newly promoted, Lorient hasn’t forgotten its desire to play and attack. Even if, quite logically, there are limitations. They had to adapt at the start of the season, for example, by focusing less on possession. But it’s not just a deep-lying defensive block either.
However, a very defensive approach is expected against PSG, against whom competing in open play will be very difficult. Even if some players surprise us and try an aggressive pressing style. It would be a surprise to see Pantaloni choose this option.
