MESSI’S ONLY GOAL SEALS LEAGUE 1 TITLE FOR PSG DESPITE LENS LATE EQUALIZER.
Paris Saint-Germain claimed their 10th Ligue 1 title in a 1-1 draw with Lens as the visitors became just the second side not to leave the Parc des Princes empty-handed this season.
Looking for four Ligue 1 wins in a row for the first time since August 2001, Lens needed to believe they could cause a major upset in order to keep alive their European dreams. They almost pulled ahead after eight minutes, when Seko Fofana’s strike whistled just over the bar. PSG were caught in possession on more than one occasion and struggled to up the tempo in an eerily quiet Parc des Princes, with Lens playing confidently.
A lapse in concentration from a goal kick almost cost Lens after 24 minutes, but Neymar couldn’t finish from point-blank following a clever backheel from Kylian Mbappé. The game opened up in the final 10 minutes of the half, with Mbappé spurning two key chances and Lens continuing to press PSG up to the HT whistle, where the hosts were booed off the field.
Lens were dealt a serious blow after 57 minutes despite holding their own in the second half, when Danso received a second yellow card for a heavy challenge on Neymar. The resulting free-kick from Lionel Messi forced a save from Jean-Louis Leca, whose night was about to become much busier.
Franck Haise’s side now needed magic, but it was a magician who proved to be their undoing. Messi unleashed an incredible laser-accurate strike into the top corner after 68 minutes, which looked set to fire them to the Ligue 1 title. Lens had the final say as Corentin Jean’s 88th minute equaliser stole a point for the visitors, which could be crucial in their quest for European football for the first time since 2007/08. However, PSG will not be too concerned, confirming their status as Ligue 1 champions in spite of the draw.
