Hakimi, Hernandez Subbed Off at Halftime as PSG Beats Angers 3-0

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN eased to a 3-0 victory over Angers on Saturday, April 25, 2026, moving six points clear at the top of Ligue 1 despite losing two key defenders to halftime substitutions due to physical concerns.

The win, secured at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, western France, came three days before PSG’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Bayern Munich. Lee Kang-in opened the scoring in the seventh minute after latching onto a rebound from Achraf Hakimi’s saved attempt. Senny Mayulu doubled the lead shortly before halftime with a counterattack finish, and Lucas Beraldo headed home Lee Kang-in’s corner early in the second half to develop it 3-0.

Defenders Withdrawn at Halftime Amid Physical Concerns

PSG head coach Luis Enrique made three halftime changes, withdrawing right-back Achraf Hakimi, center-back Lucas Hernandez, and midfielder Fabián Ruiz. All three had started the match but were replaced after showing signs of physical strain during the first 45 minutes.

According to match reports, Hakimi appeared visibly fatigued after a long sprint in the 35th minute, remaining crouched for several seconds before discussing his condition with the Paris Saint-Germain medical staff. Hernandez had been touching his thigh repeatedly throughout the opening half, while Ruiz was making his first start since returning from a knee injury.

The trio was replaced by Warren Zaïre-Emery, João Neves, and Dro Fernandez respectively. Enrique’s decision came despite PSG holding a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break, highlighting the manager’s caution ahead of the crucial Champions League clash.

Vitinha and Marquinhos Absent for Angers Trip

The defensive absences were compounded by the pre-match unavailability of midfielder Vitinha and team captain Marquinhos. Vitinha had been dealing with right heel inflammation, a condition described by the club as “evolving favorably” with individual perform continuing. Marquinhos was given rest ahead of the Bayern Munich tie.

Both players missed PSG’s previous match against Lyon, a 2-1 defeat, and Vitinha had likewise been absent from the Nantes encounter earlier in the week. Nuno Mendes, although, returned to the squad after missing several games.

Late Red Card for Ramos as PSG Sees Out Victory

PSG finished the match with ten men after defender Gonçalo Ramos received a second yellow card in the 74th minute. The dismissal came late in the game but did not threaten the outcome, as PSG held on for the 3-0 win.

The result extended PSG’s lead at the top of Ligue 1 to six points over second-placed Lens, who had been held to a 3-3 draw at Brest on Friday. With the domestic title race appearing increasingly secure, Enrique can now focus fully on preparing for the Bayern Munich semifinal.

Looking Ahead to Bayern Munich Challenge

Paris Saint-Germain will host Bayern Munich on Tuesday, April 29, 2026, for the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. The match kicks off at 9:00 PM local time (8:00 PM UTC) at Parc des Princes in Paris.

The halftime substitutions of Hakimi and Hernandez suggest Enrique may opt to preserve key players ahead of the European showdown, particularly given the physical demands demonstrated during the Angers encounter. Both defenders will be assessed ahead of the Bayern trip, with their availability for Tuesday’s match remaining uncertain based on Saturday’s events.

The victory maintains PSG’s pursuit of a historic domestic treble, having already won the Coupe de France and sitting atop Ligue 1 with three matches remaining. A win over Bayern Munich would secure their first Champions League final appearance since 2020.

For continued updates on PSG’s Champions League campaign and Ligue 1 title chase, follow official club channels and trusted sports news sources.

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