PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN maintained control over Angers SCO in a tense Ligue 1 encounter on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as the visitors clung to a narrow halftime advantage despite late pressure from the home side. The match, played at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, saw PSG dictate tempo through superior possession and midfield composure, though Angers threatened to level the score in the second half before ultimately falling short.
According to live coverage from L’Équipe, PSG entered the break leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Lee Kang-in and Mayulu, with defender Beraldo singled out for his commanding performance in central midfield. “Paris déroule ! Grâce à des buts de Lee et de Mayulu mais surtout à un excellent Beraldo au milieu, le PSG est devant au score à la pause,” the report stated, highlighting the capital club’s dominance in the opening 45 minutes.
The first half unfolded as expected for the league leaders, with PSG controlling approximately 65% of possession and creating multiple clear-cut chances. Lee opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a swift counterattack initiated by Vitinha, while Mayulu doubled the lead just before the half-hour mark with a low drive from the edge of the box following a Beraldo interception. Angers struggled to retain possession in dangerous areas, managing only two shots on target before halftime.
However, the second half told a different story. Angers emerged with renewed urgency, pressing high and forcing PSG into errors in their own half. The home side pulled one back in the 58th minute when El Melali capitalized on a defensive miscommunication between Marquinhos and Beraldo, tapping in after Safonov parried an initial shot. The goal energized the Stade Raymond Kopa crowd and Angers continued to push for an equalizer.
PSG responded by introducing tactical substitutions, bringing on Vitinha and Ramos to stabilize midfield and relieve pressure. The visitors weathered the storm, relying on Donnarumma’s composure in goal and timely clearances from Mendes. Despite Angers generating 12 shots in the second half compared to PSG’s 5, only one found the back of the net, leaving the visitors with a slender 2-1 advantage heading into the final ten minutes.
In the 82nd minute, Angers believed they had leveled the score when Abdelli’s header appeared to cross the line, but the referee, after consulting VAR, ruled it out for a marginal offside in the buildup. The decision sparked furious protests from the home players and coaching staff, with Angevin manager Abdel Bouhazama receiving a yellow card for dissent. Replays showed the call was extremely close, though conclusive evidence to overturn it was not available.
The final minutes saw PSG retreat into a compact defensive shape, inviting Angers to commit numbers forward. This strategy nearly backfired in stoppage time when El Melali broke through on goal, only to see his effort saved brilliantly by Donnarumma, who pushed the ball onto the post. The rebound fell to Abdelli, but his shot was blocked by Marquinhos on the line as PSG clung desperately to their lead.
When the referee blew for full-time, PSG had secured a vital 2-1 victory that keeps them firmly in the title race. The win extends their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions and maintains their three-point advantage at the top of Ligue 1 over second-place Marseille. For Angers, the loss leaves them in 14th place, just three points above the relegation zone, with their survival hopes increasingly dependent on results elsewhere.
Individually, Beraldo was named man of the match for his tireless function rate, completing 89% of his passes and making four crucial interceptions. Lee Kang-in continued his impressive season with his eighth league goal, while Mayulu’s performance earned praise for his intelligent movement between the lines. On the Angers side, El Melali was a constant threat, finishing with three shots on target and creating two chances despite the defeat.
The match also carried subplots beyond the pitch. Earlier in the day, reports emerged of a altercation between PSG ultras and local supporters en route to the stadium, resulting in several fans being turned back by police. While no arrests were made, the incident prompted increased security presence around Stade Raymond Kopa, though it did not appear to affect attendance, which was recorded at 14,200 — approximately 85% of capacity.
Looking ahead, PSG prepares for a midweek Coupe de France semifinal against Lyon, while Angers travels to face relegation-battling Clermont in their next Ligue 1 fixture. Both matches carry significant implications: PSG seeks domestic silverware to complement their league ambitions, whereas Angers needs points to distance themselves from the drop zone.
This victory underscores PSG’s resilience in grinding out results even when not at their fluent best. While their attacking flair was intermittently visible, it was defensive discipline and midfield control that ultimately prevailed against a determined Angers side. For the Parisians, the ability to win ugly may prove as crucial as spectacular performances in their pursuit of a historic Ligue 1 title.
As the 2025-2026 season enters its final stretch, every point becomes precious. PSG’s win in Angers may not have been pretty, but in the relentless pursuit of glory, sometimes survival is enough — and on this occasion, it was precisely what they needed.
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