Paris Saint-Germain has officially claimed their 14th French championship title, securing a 2-0 away victory against Lens this Wednesday evening. Despite a performance that wasn’t always spectacular, the Parisian squad, bolstered by a phenomenal display from goalkeeper Matveï Safonov, clinched the coveted trophy. This triumph marks their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 championship, further solidifying their dominance in French football history.
The highly anticipated 99% certainty of a championship win for PSG became a reality. The decisive 2-0 triumph in Lens, a team already qualified for the upcoming Champions League, featured goals from Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia in the 29th minute and Ibrahim Mbaye in the 90th minute + 3.
Luis Enrique’s squad endured significant pressure throughout the match but ultimately prevailed, largely thanks to the heroics of Matveï Safonov. The goalkeeper delivered a series of crucial saves, denying Lens numerous scoring opportunities. This historic victory extends Paris Saint-Germain’s unparalleled reign over French football, marking their 14th title overall – a new record – and an impressive fifth in a row.
Trailing at halftime, the Lens players had ample reason for frustration as they headed to the locker room. Despite creating a flurry of chances, Pierre Sage’s men failed to convert any into goals. With 14 attempts, six of which were on target, Lens saw efforts from Wesley Saïd (20e, 36e, 45e + 3), Adrien Thomasson (20e, 33e), Odsonne Édouard (24e), and Abdallah Sima (38e, 39e, 41e) repeatedly denied.
A single Lens error proved costly for Parisians
In contrast, the Parisians capitalized on a solitary defensive miscue to take the lead. Ousmane Dembélé, maintaining his relentless press, intercepted a one-touch pass from Malang Sarr. He then threaded a perfect ball through the center to Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia, whose precise cross-shot beat Robin Risser in the 29th minute. PSG nearly doubled their advantage when Bradley Barcola recovered the ball near the Lens penalty area, setting up Dembélé for another powerful cross-shot, brilliantly parried by Risser in the 43rd minute.
At halftime, coach Sage expressed mixed emotions, stating, “It’s a dual feeling. We’re happy with our game but frustrated with the result. We’re playing well, but we need to convert chances into goals.” His words seemed to fall on deaf ears initially, as shortly after returning to the pitch, Sima had another golden opportunity but lost his one-on-one battle with Matveï Safonov in the 46th minute.
Sima continued to be a threat, shaking off Lucas Hernandez, but his subsequent shot was again repelled by Safonov’s chest in the 54th minute. After a dangerous PSG move initiated by Dembélé (57e), Lens renewed their assault on the Parisian goal. Illia Zabarnyi deflected two shots from Saint-Maximin (72e, 73e), and the post came to Safonov’s rescue from another Sima attempt that had beaten him (74e).
The Russian custodian remained a formidable barrier, making another crucial foot save on a Sangaré volley following a cross from Udol in the 80th minute. The clinical Parisians then punished Lens a second time on a counter-attack. Doué’s cross found Mbaye, who netted with a superb one-touch strike that rattled off the crossbar before going in, sealing the 2-0 victory in the 90th minute + 3. Thauvin took a final shot, but his off-target effort perfectly encapsulated his team’s lack of success on the night (90e + 6).
As PSG prepares to conclude their championship season against Paris FC, the magnificent runners-up, Lens, will face Lyon next Sunday, bringing a fabulous Ligue 1 season to a close. Both teams still have the chance to claim further silverware: the Coupe de France for Lens, and the Champions League for PSG.
The player: Safonov was impenetrable
Returning to the Parisian goal after Renato Marin’s start against Brest, Matveï Safonov reaffirmed his status as PSG’s premier goalkeeper during the trip to Lens. Despite Lens unleashing 25 shots, with 10 on target, Safonov held firm, making eight crucial saves to thwart the opposition’s attackers.
Only Gianluigi Donnarumma (10 saves on March 31, 2024, against Marseille) and Keylor Navas (9 saves on May 9, 2021, against Rennes) have recorded more saves in a single Ligue 1 match for Paris Saint-Germain under QSI ownership. Even when beaten, the woodwork came to his aid in the 74th minute. “We faced a truly great goalkeeper tonight,” admitted Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré after the match, undoubtedly feeling the sting of his opponent’s brilliance.
