Talking Tactics: How PSG Got Back To Its Winning Ways Against Nice
Messi magic propels PSG closer to the Ligue 1 title.
Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways, ending OGC Nice’s 14-match unbeaten run. The away side scored a goal in both halves to win 2-0 in the south of France. PSG keep their six-point lead over RCL Lens, a team they will face on Saturday, which will likely be the title decider if the Parisians win.
Paris lined up in their hybrid of 5-3-2/ 3-5-2 with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and the usual (when healthy) backline of Archaf Hakimi, captain Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, Danilo Pereira, and Nuno Mendes. A midfield of Renato Sanches, Vitinha, and Carlos Soler replacing the injured Marco Verratti. Superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé as the two forwards. OGC Nice started in a 3-4-3 with Kasper Schmeichel as the netminder. A backline of Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Jean-Clair Todibo, and their trusty captain Dante. A midfield of Antoine Mendy, Hicham Boudaoui, Khéphren Thuram, and Melvin Bard. Terem Moffi and Nicolas Pépé spearheading the attack, with Aaron Ramsey behind the two.
PSG started on the front foot, pressing the home side and winning the ball high up the field after losing possession. Paris overloaded the wings, played short passes between 2-3 players dragging Nice’s midfield out of position, and then Paris would attack the open space in the middle. Hakimi and Mendes were utilized to start the attacks, either playing Mbappé over the top or playing the ball into the midfield to exploit the spaces Kylian created. The Parisians were slow and patient in their build-up and applied high pressure throughout the first half. Messi was eventually able to break the deadlock and score in the 26th minute by finishing a low cross that came from Nuno Mendes. Paris kept their foot on the gas but could not get a second in the first half. However, in the last 5 minutes of the first half, Nice applied pressure and would have scored if not for Donnarumma.
The second half was played at a much slower pace. Paris sat back and welcomed pressure from the home side. Nice continued to attack through the wings, while Thuram was the playmaker in the middle. Nice had a handful of chances, but they were stuffed by either the center backs, Donnarumma, or the post. PSG was able to weather the storm and hit Nice for a second goal. Messi found Sergio Ramos from a corner kick in the 76th minute, and the Spaniard made no mistake tucking the ball into the goal with a header. The Parisians had more chances to put the game out of reach but couldn’t finish their chances, including an empty net miss by Mbappé in stoppage time.
In my opinion, Paris was well set up from the beginning. They had patterns of play, and every player seemed to understand the plan. I feel Carlos Soler helped by making vertical runs with Mbappé and the wing-backs, creating space in the midfield for Messi and the other midfielders to have time on the ball and create chances. The team was well-balanced and finally could keep a clean sheet, their first since February 26th, against Olympique de Marseille. My only critique is that the team needs to be more clinical in front of goal. They had several opportunities to put the game to bed early on and later in the game. If it wasn’t for the spectacular saves from Donnarumma, the match might have had a different result. Time for the team to get ready for Lens, a team that they haven’t beaten since 2021, including a 3-1 loss on New Year’s Day.
Player Ratings
Donnarumma - 9 - Made a handful of great saves, including a 1-v-1 to help PSG keep their first clean sheet in almost 2 months.
Hakimi - 7 - Was very positive, and help out a lot in the attack and defense.
Marquinhos - 8 - Made a couple of blocks on shots and helped in the build-up while being dangerous on set pieces.
Ramos - 8 - Helped organized the backline, was calm in the build-up, and scored a crucial goal to give PSG some breathing room.
Danilo - 7 - Was good in the back, calm in possession.
Nuno Mendes - 8 - Always an attacking threat and tracked back to help out. Assisted Messi to open the scoring.
Renato Sanches - NA - Seemed to have injured himself early on, and was substituted in the 9th minute.
Vitinha - 7 - Was very positive and offered help in the attack. Seems to be getting the confidence he had at the beginning of the season back.
Carlos Soler - 7 - Made forward runs, and was always a passing option. Lost the ball carelessly a couple of times but he is getting back into the groove after his injury.
Messi - 9 - A goal and assist, a typical Messi match. Created a lot of chances and was dangerous with the ball at his feet.
Mbappé - 7 - Was a problem for the Nice backline, had a couple of chances to score but remains without a goal in his last 3 matches.
Subs
Fabian Ruiz - 7 - Came on in the 9th minute, helped control the midfield, and protected the backline.
Bitshiabu - 6 - Came on in the 77th minute, played out of position but helped the team finish out the match with a win.
Zaïre-Emery - NA - Came on in the 89th minute, and didn’t have enough time to do anything.