This Sunday, in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain took on Lens at Stade Bollaert. After a match in which the Rouge et Bleu were clearly not up to the level of recent games, after the penalty shootout (1-1 at the end of regulation time), they won 4-3 on penalties. Here are our notes on the Parisians.
Goalkeeper –
Matvey Safonov (7) – Wasn’t in danger in the first half. He was nevertheless very much in evidence. He came close to breaking the deadlock with an uncontrolled clearance. Vigilant at the end of the first half. Made two saves in the penalty shoot-out, making a major contribution to qualification.
Defenders –
Achraf Hakimi (6) – A little less conspicuous during the first half, he nevertheless offered a goal and should have scored had the referee not whistled for a more than dubious offside. Surely one of his most complicated games in recent weeks.
Marquinhos (6) – A little slow, he didn’t exude the same defensive strength as Pacho. On the other hand, he was more dangerous offensively. Defensively, he’s lost a lot of speed and plays with experience, but he’s less reliable.
Willian Pacho (6) – Defensively, he was impeccable in the first half. He’s so strong in duels and that’s good for Paris. Sometimes he makes little mistakes. He can do even better.
Nuno Mendes (5) – A disappointing first half. Better in the second, though not transcendent.
Midfielders –
Fabian Ruiz (6) – It’s never easy to judge Ruiz’s performances. We’ve come to expect so much from him that we can’t say his first half dazzled us. That said, he was decent overall. Replaced by Warrren Zaïre-EMery in the 57th minute.
Vitinha (5) – He’s got the vision, he’s got the technical ability, but also the ability to steer. All he needs is to play faster. In the second half, he alternated between hot and cold. It’s a shame he doesn’t play more forward with his qualities.
Joao Neves (5) – A little off in the first half. Worked hard in the second half, but didn’t have his best game, making a few mistakes.
Forwards –
Ousmane Dembélé (4) – A disappointing first half overall. Wasn’t much better in the second half.
Lee Kang-in (4) – Some ideas at times, but a lack of courage most of the time, this was another mixed first-half performance from the South Korean. Very average in the second half. Replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the 66th minute.
Désiré Doué (6) – He showed some nice things at times, he could also be a little more spontaneous, but he has clearly taken his destiny into his own hands with Paris. He wasn’t incredible in the second half, although he did show his ability to keep the ball in the box and create chances. Replaced by Bradley Barcola in the 66th minute.
Coach –
Luis Enrique (6) – Strong choices in the squad, then in the starting line-up. No Zaire-Emery, who would have been a welcome addition to the midfield with his strength. No Ramos, despite a match in which Paris could have made better use of their crosses. Finally, Barcola is clearly under pressure, while Doué is looking increasingly interesting. The choice paid off when Ramos scored almost immediately.
