It was the last important meeting of his season. Paris Saint-Germain won in the Classic against Marseille (2-1), Sunday April 17, at the Parc des Princes. PSG had the opportunity, after its painful elimination in the Champions League, to end on a high note by fulfilling two objectives: to afford the rival and to reconnect with its supporters. But his victory will not be enough to wash away the frustration of a generally disappointing season, on the contrary.
The film of this Classic was symbolic of its season: promising but frustrating. After a convincing first period, and a “MNM” which combined well, the Parisians left the ball to the opponent, showing only 42% of possession, a first in Ligue 1 since February 2013, already against Om. They were content to operate against and fell asleep in the second period, well helped by an opponent without ideas.
33 – Paris won its 33rd match against Marseille in Ligue 1, now ahead of its rival in the record of confrontations in the top flight (20 draws, 32 wins for OM). Ascending. #PSGOM pic.twitter.com/pF4oxFCZbr
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) April 17, 2022
The spectators will especially remember the choppy game and the multitude of faults committed by the players of the two formations (six yellow cards for Paris, 26 faults in total). In question, in particular, the jeremiads from the players to the referee and the three goals disallowed for offside in the game. If Kylian Mbappé and Neymar saved the evening again, we expected more from this PSG, once again.
This team only expresses itself through the flashes of its three stars, and especially those of Kylian Mbappé. Almost a year and a half after Mauricio Pochettino came on the bench, the playing identity of this Champions League contender is still unclear. This season, PSG have shown themselves capable of losing in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France and then crushing defending champions Lille 5-1 in the same week. He also often struggled to produce a consistent 90 minutes, as was the case on Sunday.
“It was a match to win. If it’s with good play, so much the better, but the most important thing is to win. It’s always three more points against a direct opponent. We want this title and we’re not going to give up.”, preferred to retain Marquinhos, the captain of the capital club, at the microphone of Prime Video. It is true that his team took a very big step on Sunday evening towards a tenth title of champion of France.
Six days from the end, PSG are fifteen points ahead of OM, who remain their runner-up. A single scenario would deprive Mauricio Pochettino’s players with a coronation. They would have to lose all their matches and OM to win all of theirs. There is no more suspense, if indeed there ever was. Against Angers, Lens, Strasbourg, Troyes, Montpellier and Metz, the stakes will be minimal. It is already time to plan for the next season.