Paris Saint-Germain secured a 3-0 victory over Angers SCO on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Stade Raymond-Kopa in Ligue 1 Matchday 31. The result marked another step in PSG’s push toward the final phase of the 2025-2026 season, with coach Luis Enrique pointing to a standout individual performance as a key factor in the team’s recent form.
Lucas Beraldo, the 22-year-old Brazilian defender who has been deployed in midfield over the last four Ligue 1 matches, delivered what Enrique described as his best performance in a Paris Saint-Germain shirt. Beraldo contributed both a goal and an assist in the win over Angers, prompting immediate praise from the Spanish head coach in his post-match remarks to PSG TV.
“He’s the man of the match, he did everything right,” Enrique said. “It’s good news to realize he can play at this position and at a very high level. It’s rare to notice a player operate with one or two touches and improve every action. I believe he has a bright future in this role.”
The praise quickly evolved into a notable comparison. Enrique went further, stating that Beraldo’s qualities reminded him more of a former Barcelona stalwart than of Vitinha, the Portuguese midfielder whose absence prompted the tactical shift. “Normally, I don’t like putting a central defender in midfield. But Beraldo is a different kind of central defender — he’s Brazilian, he has many qualities. He’s hard to press, he always has this ability to improve every phase of play. We considered it four matches ago because Vitinha wasn’t available. He’s more of a Sergio Busquets than a Vitinha.”
The reference to Sergio Busquets carries significant weight. The Spanish defensive midfielder, who retired in 2023 after a distinguished career with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in football history. Known for his positional intelligence, minimalistic passing, and ability to dictate tempo under pressure, Busquets set a benchmark for the role that few have matched.
For Beraldo, the comparison represents both recognition and a challenge. Originally a central defender by trade, the Brazilian has adapted to a deeper midfield role over recent weeks, showcasing composure on the ball, an ability to break lines with short passes, and a tactical intelligence that has allowed PSG to maintain control in matches where Vitinha has been unavailable or underperforming.
Beraldo himself acknowledged the significance of the moment. Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, he said: “It might be my best game with Paris. This is a new position, and at this position, it’s definitely my best performance.” His versatility has allowed Enrique to experiment with shape and personnel, particularly in midfield, where injuries and form fluctuations have tested squad depth.
The tactical adjustment has yielded tangible results. Since Beraldo’s first start in midfield, PSG has recorded clean sheets in three of four Ligue 1 outings, including the 3-0 win over Angers. His ability to retain possession under pressure and initiate attacks from deep has reduced the burden on the back four although allowing attacking players like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé to operate higher up the pitch.
From a standings perspective, PSG’s victory over Angers kept them firmly in contention for the Ligue 1 title as the season enters its decisive stretch. With Matchday 31 completed, the club remains within striking distance of the top of the table, where every point gained or dropped carries heightened importance in the race for Champions League qualification and domestic supremacy.
Looking ahead, Enrique confirmed that PSG is preparing for the final part of the campaign, with focus shifting to maintaining consistency in both league and cup competitions. The next Ligue 1 fixture for Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled for May 2, 2026, against Montpellier HSC at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM local time (6:00 PM UTC), though fans are advised to check official club channels for any last-minute changes.
For Beraldo, the immediate challenge will be to sustain this level of performance amid increasing scrutiny. Whether he remains in midfield or returns to his natural defensive role will depend on personnel availability, opponent tactics, and Enrique’s assessment of what best serves the team’s balance. What is clear, however, is that the young Brazilian has forced a conversation about his long-term position at the club — one that began with a standout display in Angers and was cemented by a comparison to one of the game’s all-time greats.
As PSG navigates the business end of the season, the emergence of Beraldo as a viable option in midfield adds a layer of flexibility that could prove invaluable. His development will be monitored closely by coaches, analysts, and fans alike, particularly as the club aims to challenge on multiple fronts before the campaign concludes.
For continued updates on Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 title push, player developments, and match previews, stay tuned to Archysport. Share your thoughts on Beraldo’s evolving role and whether the Busquets comparison holds merit in the comments below.
Keep reading
