Paris Saint-Germain secures 14th Ligue 1 title with heroic Safonov display
Despite a less-than-stellar performance, Paris Saint-Germain claimed their 14th French Championship title and fifth consecutive crown this Wednesday evening, defeating Lens 2-0, largely thanks to an impenetrable Matveï Safonov.
The inevitable has happened. Paris Saint-Germain, already 99% certain of the title, officially sealed their French Championship victory this Wednesday night. A 2-0 triumph over Lens, who had already secured a spot in the upcoming Champions League, saw goals from Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia in the 29th minute and Ibrahim Mbaye in the 90th+3 minute.
Luis Enrique’s squad endured significant pressure throughout the match but ultimately prevailed, largely due to the exceptional goalkeeping of Matveï Safonov, who delivered several crucial saves. This victory solidifies Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in French football, marking their fifth consecutive title and a record 14th in the club’s illustrious history.
Lens, despite trailing at halftime, could reflect on a first half filled with missed opportunities. Pierre Sage’s men created a flurry of chances but failed to convert any into goals. With 14 attempts, six of which were on target, frustration was palpable. Wesley Saïd (20th, 36th, 45th+3), Adrien Thomasson (20th, 33rd), Odsonne Édouard (24th), and Abdallah Sima (38th, 39th, 41st) all tested the PSG defense without success.
a lone lensois misstep proved costly for parisians
Conversely, the Parisians capitalized on a single defensive lapse to punish their hosts. Following an interception of Malang Sarr’s one-touch pass, Ousmane Dembélé, relentless in his pressing, threaded a perfect ball through to Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia. The latter unleashed a precise cross-shot that beat Robin Risser in the 29th minute. PSG nearly doubled their lead when Bradley Barcola recovered the ball near the Lens penalty area, setting up Dembélé for a powerful shot that forced a brilliant save from Risser in the 43rd minute.
Upon returning to the pitch for the second half, Lens immediately created another chance, but Sima was denied in a one-on-one situation with Matveï Safonov in the 46th minute. Sima later showcased his strength against Lucas Hernandez, but his subsequent shot was again thwarted by Safonov’s chest in the 54th minute. After a dangerous PSG attack led by Dembélé in the 57th minute, Lens resumed their assault on the Parisian goal. Illia Zabarnyi deflected two shots from Saint-Maximin (72nd, 73rd), and the post came to Safonov’s rescue on another Sima attempt that had beaten the goalkeeper in the 74th minute.
The Russian custodian was again decisive, making a foot save on a Sangaré volley following a cross from Udol in the 80th minute. The ruthless Parisians then punished Lens a second time on a counter-attack. Doué delivered a cross to Mbaye, who scored with a superb one-touch strike that found the net via the crossbar in the 90th+3 minute. Thauvin took a final shot, but his effort, off target, perfectly encapsulated his team’s lack of finishing luck in the 90th+6 minute.
As PSG concludes its championship season against Paris FC, Lens, who have been magnificent runners-up, will face Lyon next Sunday to cap off an otherwise fabulous Ligue 1 campaign. Both teams will then have the opportunity to chase further silverware: the Coupe de France for Lens and the Champions League for PSG.
the player: safonov was a fortress
After being rested against Brest in favor of Renato Marin, Matveï Safonov returned to the starting lineup for the crucial match against Lens. The Russian goalkeeper once again demonstrated his undeniable status as PSG’s primary shot-stopper. Despite Lens unleashing 25 shots, with 10 on target, Safonov remained unyielding, making eight crucial saves to frustrate the opposition attackers.
Only Gianluigi Donnarumma (10 saves against Marseille on March 31, 2024) and Keylor Navas (9 saves against Rennes on May 9, 2021) have recorded more saves in a Ligue 1 match for Paris Saint-Germain under QSI ownership. Even when beaten, Safonov had the post to thank in the 74th minute. “We came up against a truly great goalkeeper tonight,” admitted Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré after the match, visibly disheartened by his opponent’s performance.
Luis Enrique has now secured his third Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain, matching Laurent Blanc’s record for a PSG coach. The Spanish manager’s trophy haul with the club currently stands at 11, also equaling Laurent Blanc’s total.
