NICE, France – Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed the top spot in Ligue 1 on Saturday with a dominant 4-0 victory over Nice, but the win came with a reshuffled lineup and tactical adjustments from manager Luis Enrique. The Parisians moved one point ahead of Lens, who won earlier in the weekend against Angers, though Lens have played one more game. The victory at the Allianz Riviera showcased PSG’s attacking depth, even with several key players unavailable or rested.
Enrique opted for five changes to the starting eleven that faced Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this week. A significant shift saw Nuno Mendes deployed higher up the pitch on the left wing, filling in for Bradley Barcola, who is sidelined for three to four weeks with a right ankle ligament injury. Ousmane Dembélé was surprisingly named to the bench, with Désiré Doué taking his place in the attack alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The midfield also saw alterations, with João Neves given a rest and not traveling to the Côte d’Azur. Senny Mayulu stepped into the lineup to replace Neves, alongside Kang-in Lee. This tactical tweak also resulted in Warren Zaïre-Emery being positioned at right-back, compensating for the suspended Achraf Hakimi. Lucas Hernandez started at left-back, while Illia Zabarnyi replaced Marquinhos at center-back.
Matvey Safonov continued in goal for PSG, maintaining his position as the preferred choice over Lucas Chevalier, a decision that has solidified his role as the team’s number one goalkeeper. The changes, while seemingly significant, demonstrated Enrique’s willingness to rotate his squad and adapt to different opponents and circumstances.
Nuno Mendes opened the scoring for PSG just three minutes before halftime, converting a penalty awarded after a handball in the box. Desire Doue, Dro Fernandez, and Warren Zaïre-Emery added goals in the second half to complete the rout. The victory was particularly impressive considering Nice played the final half-hour with ten men after Youssouf Ndayishimiye was sent off on his first start following a ten-month recovery from a knee injury.
“It was a perfect evening,” Enrique said after the match, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “Every match presents difficulties, especially since it’s tough to play after the Champions League. We controlled the match; it wasn’t easy. These are three key points because Lens continue to improve, and it will be difficult until the end.”
The win over Nice marks PSG’s third consecutive victory in Ligue 1 since their 3-1 defeat against Monaco three weeks ago. The team appears to be hitting form at a crucial stage of the season, with both domestic and European ambitions still very much alive. The tactical flexibility demonstrated by Enrique, coupled with the team’s attacking firepower, suggests they are well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
The decision to utilize Nuno Mendes in a more advanced role proved effective, allowing him to contribute to the attack while still providing defensive cover. The performance of young players like Mayulu and Doué also provided a boost, showcasing the depth of talent within the PSG squad. Dro Fernandez also scored, marking his first goal for the club.
However, the injury to Bradley Barcola remains a concern. The winger’s absence will likely require Enrique to continue rotating his attacking options and potentially explore different tactical approaches. The coach acknowledged this, stating he is “thinking about how to inject pace with Barcola’s injury,” according to MSN.
Looking ahead, PSG faces a challenging schedule as they continue to compete on multiple fronts. The upcoming match against Lens on April 11th will be a pivotal encounter in the Ligue 1 title race. A win in that match could significantly strengthen PSG’s position at the top of the table. The team will also be preparing for their Champions League quarter-final tie, with the first leg scheduled for next month.
Enrique’s post-match comments emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and continuing to improve. “We showed that we are capable of improving and overcoming difficulties,” he added. The coach’s ability to motivate his players and adapt his tactics will be crucial as PSG navigate the challenges of the final stretch of the season.
PSG Starting XI: Safonov – Zaïre-Emery, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Hernandez – Lee, Vitinha (cap.), Mayulu – Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Mendes.
The next confirmed checkpoint for PSG is their upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against [Opponent and Date to be confirmed]. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments by following the official PSG website and social media channels.
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