Paris Saint Germain, the formidable French champions, failed to give a good account of themselves on Saturday evening as they were held to a 2. 2 draw...
Paris Saint Germain, the formidable French champions, failed to give a good account of themselves on Saturday evening as they were held to a 2. 2 draw by a determined Lorient side at the Parc des Princes. The result, coming just days before their Champions League semi final second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, leaves the Parisians with much to ponder. Coach Christophe Galtier reshuffled his starting eleven, resting key legs for the European contest, but his charges could not seize the lion. �s share of the points. Lorient, fighting for their survival in the top flight, showed resilience and clinical finishing to snatch a point on the road. At the end of the day, the stalemate does little to affect the Ligue 1 title race. Lens, the closest challengers, also drew 1. 1 at Nice, meaning PSG remain six points clear at the summit. In the scheme of things, the powers that be at PSG will be more concerned about the performance of their defence, which looked shaky against a Lorient side that carved open opportunities with alarming ease. The Nigerian international Terem Moffi, formerly of Lorient and now with Nice, will have watched keenly as his former teammates troubled the PSG backline. For the home supporters, the absence of Kylian Mbappe from the starting lineup was felt, but the French star came off the bench to score a late equaliser. However, the draw leaves PSG with a bitter taste as they now turn their full attention to the Bavarian giants. Across Lagos, from the bustling viewing centres in Surulere to the fan parks in Victoria Island, the reaction among Nigerian football faithful was one of mixed emotions. Many argued that PSG. �s lack of concentration in defence could be their undoing against the relentless Bayern Munich machine, while others praised Lorient. �s spirit and discipline. As the Super Eagles faithful savoured their evening snacks and cold drinks, the consensus was that PSG must tighten up or risk being knocked out on Wednesday. In Abuja, at the popular Viewing Centre in Wuse Zone 4, fans clad in PSG jerseys debated whether the French side had the mental fortitude to withstand the Bayern onslaught. One thing remains clear: the Parisians must improve, and quickly, before the visit of the formidable Germans.
