Mbaye and Zaïre-Emery heading in the right direction as PSG are compelled to accept a draw. Picture: AFP/FILE
PARIS:
Paris Saint-Germain warmed up for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final towards Bayern Munich by fielding a second-string line-up and throwing away the lead twice in a 2-2 draw with Lorient in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Ibrahim Mbaye’s fortuitous early objective to place PSG forward on the Parc des Princes was cancelled out by Pablo Pagis, however Warren Zaire-Emery gave the hosts the lead for the second time, moments after approaching in its place.
Nevertheless, a mistake by teenage debutant Pierre Mounguengue allowed Aiyegun Tosin to run via and rating a second for Lorient, and PSG couldn’t discover a winner.
However, their lead on the prime of the desk stays six factors with three video games left after title rivals Lens drew 1-1 at Good.
Lens nonetheless must host PSG on Could 13, however Luis Enrique’s aspect can be topped champions subsequent weekend in the event that they higher the results of their closest challengers.
Within the meantime, PSG are targeted principally on the defence of their European title as they face Bayern away on Wednesday after successful 5-4 at house within the first leg.
“It is extremely tough by way of motivation after enjoying a Champions League semi-final in an unimaginable ambiance, however I anticipate extra from my gamers,” stated Luis Enrique, who made 9 modifications, with solely Willian Pacho and Want Doue retained from midweek.
Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been unused substitutes whereas Vitinha was rested fully.
Renato Marin, 19, made simply his second top-team look in objective. Mounguengue, an 18-year-old ahead, got here on within the second half.
Lens draw, Marseille distress
PSG went forward on six minutes when Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo tried to clear a Doue cross however as a substitute performed the ball off Mbaye earlier than it rebounded in.
Pagis transformed the primary equaliser for Lorient, however the hosts went 2-1 up simply after the hour.
Zaire-Emery had simply come on for Fabian Ruiz when he managed a Doue cross for his first contact, after which fired in by way of a deflection.
However Mounguengue value the house aspect two factors when his unfastened cross was pounced upon by Tosin and the Benin ahead went on to attain.
PSG, chasing a fifth straight Ligue 1 title, hit the put up late on via Senny Mayulu as they dropped factors for the third time in 5 house league video games.
Lens couldn’t take benefit, as they led at Good via Allan Saint-Maximin’s objective however have been lowered to 10 males late on when Saud Abdulhamid was despatched off for chopping down Sofiane Diop as he ran in on objective.
The ensuing free-kick fell into the trail of Ali Abdi and he made it 1-1.
Troyes heading up
Marseille’s troubled season continued with a 3-0 defeat at struggling Nantes which is an extra blow to their prospects of Champions League qualification.
Ignatius Ganago, Remy Cabella and Matthis Abline all scored within the house of 9 minutes within the second half as Nantes claimed a primary win in 9 matches.
Eight-time champions Nantes stay within the automated relegation locations with two video games left however are actually simply two factors behind Auxerre within the play-off spot earlier than their rivals play on Sunday.
Marseille have misplaced 4 of their final six and have slipped to seventh under Monaco, who gained 2-1 at Metz. OM are 4 factors away from a Champions League berth with two video games left, and are even prone to not qualifying for Europe in any respect.
“We acquired what we deserved,” stated coach Habib Beye, who insisted he is not going to resign.
“While you tackle a problem like this you do not simply surrender. I’ll by no means give up.”
Monaco revived their European hopes by coming from behind towards Metz, with USA star Folarin Balogun scoring a ninth objective in 10 league video games to equalise earlier than Ansu Fati’s stoppage-time winner.
Metz have gone 20 league matches with out successful and the outcome confirmed their relegation.
Troyes, who’re a part of the Metropolis Soccer Group, secured promotion again to Ligue 1 final weekend after a three-year absence.
On Saturday, they clinched the Ligue 2 title with a sport of the season to spare. Le Mans are on track to take the second automated promotion spot.