The closing match of Matchday 17 in Ligue 1 was highly anticipated by Parisian football fans. Indeed, for the first match of 2026, Paris Saint-Germain hosted Paris FC for the first derby in 47 years. Facing a very tight defense, the Red and Blues emerged victorious with a score of 2-1, starting the year in the best possible way. PSG defender Nuno Mendes spoke to L1+ about this victory:
Nuno Mendes: “We were comfortable in this match.”
Was this the match you were waiting for?
Yes, I think it was a good match, and I think we did everything right on the pitch, controlling the game from the start. We were comfortable in this match, and the victory was perfect for us.
Now you have to get back on track to reclaim first place?
It feels good to see the other teams playing well. We’re showing that French football is good, it’s great football. I congratulate Lens and the other teams behind us who are putting pressure on us, but we’re ready and we’re trying to take it one game at a time.
Nuno Mendes “The Ballon d’Or? “It’s difficult to reach that level.”
What do you need to do to win the Ballon d’Or?
It’s difficult to reach that level. I try to do my best job on the pitch. I need more goals and assists; that’s the most important thing for a Ballon d’Or, and I’m happy to have been part of the team and Ousmane last year.
