Messi and Mbappé against Nice. Panoramic.
TOPS/FLOPS – Impeccable Donnarumma, Messi and Ramos celebrating, Paris smiles, Nice spoils and Mbappé disappointing. Find out what caught the attention of the editorial staff this Saturday evening.
TOPS
Decisive Messi
The Argentine press had panicked in recent weeks after the whistles of the Parisian public addressed to Lionel Messi. Accused of “cheating” and not getting the shirt wet, the Argentine world champion responded in the best possible way. The former Blaugrana lit the first wick with a shot off target (2nd). Messi was also involved in a strike from Soler moments later before scoring in the 26th minute after a serve from Nuno Mendes. He then delivered a decisive pass on the goal of Sergio Ramos before offering a caviar to Kylian Mbappé at the end of additional time that the Frenchman could not conclude.
Messi scored a goal and provided an assist. ERIC GAILLARD / REUTERS
Donnarumma Imperial
PSG was able to count on a (very) great Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper first intervened in front of Kephren Thuram (16e). But he especially saved the Parisian camp before the break. He made a first reflex save in front of Nicolas Pépé before repelling a shot from Terem Moffi. In the second half, the Italian pushed, with his fingertips, a volley from Pépé (52e). Criticized for his contribution during the “big” posters, Donnarumma made a nice tap on a header from Todibo (70e). He also folded well on a low shot from Brahimi (81e). Impassable. Seven stops in total for the Paisian porter.
Paris gives itself some air
Paris was under pressure after Lens’ victory against Strasbourg on Friday (2-1). With only three points ahead of their runner-up, PSG didn’t really have a choice. We had to win. And it’s done! Clinics, the Parisians have shaken up Nice. Without finding its superb. But this success, both important from an accounting point of view and psychologically, reassured a team losing confidence in recent weeks (two consecutive setbacks). It remains to be seen whether the club from the capital will manage to maintain its lead at the end of the season.
FLOPS
Nice wastes too many chances..
Unlike the Parisians, Nice did not find the net. However, the Niçois tried (21 shots, seven on target). It must be said that Didier Digard’s men were not lucky on the goal denied to Dante for only a few millimeters… Apart from that, Moffi was transparent while Pépé, author of two interesting strikes, was a little more prominent. The Niçois have often tried long shots, without success.
…and mark time
Nice remained on four games without a win (four consecutive draws). But the Didier Digard effect is fading somewhat. After a cannon return to the first part of the classification, the Niçois are marking time and are still five points behind Rennes, sixth in Ligue 1. And could even be overtaken by Lyon or Rennes this Sunday.
Ramsey, muzzled by Messi. ERIC GAILLARD / REUTERS
Mute Mbappé
Mbappé made noise this week after he ranted against the club’s communication in a video clip for the future subscription campaign. But this Saturday evening, the French international was silent. To confirm this fact: a statistic. This is the third goalless match for the Parisian striker. Little in sight (0 shots in 65 minutes), Mbappé even missed the inevitable at the very end of regulation time on a gift from Messi. The Frenchman hits hard from the left in front of an almost empty goal and completely misses the target. There is no doubt that the top scorer in Ligue 1 (19 goals) will react during the next confrontations.
Mbappé was not successful this Saturday. ERIC GAILLARD / REUTERS