Ligue 1: PSG crushes Lens and clinches its 14th French championship title

The Parisians were devilishly effective on the field at the Lens stadium, defeating their runners-up on Wednesday in a delayed match of the 29th day of Ligue 1.

Efficiency. That’s the key word of the night. The Red and Golds set Bollaert on fire, creating many opportunities against PSG on Wednesday in the famous delayed match of the 29th day of Ligue 1. They had everything except efficiency. And it was the Parisians who emerged victorious at their runner-ups’ home (0-2). This success officially secured the 14th French championship title in PSG’s history, the fifth in a row. PSG only needed one point, and they took three, thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye. However, the standout player of the match was Matve Safonov. Impenetrable. PSG can now focus fully on the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest. Lens will face Nice on May 22 at the Stade de France in an attempt to win their first French Cup.

In a lively and cheeky stadium (“Qatar kills French football,” “Nasser kills Ligue 1″), PSG quickly displayed their usual dominance, with Dro sending the first shot (7th minute) and Neves aiming for the opposite corner (14th minute). But the Lensois were fierce. Aggressive, biting, incisive, they kept up. And did even better. First tested by Edouard (18th minute), Safonov saved the day in front of Said, then Zabarnyi against Thomasson (20th minute). Fiery. But with PSG, any mistake is costly: a loss of possession by Sarr under Dembele’s pressure, and “Kvara” for the punishment (0-1, 30th minute). Ruthless. The opposite was true for Thomasson (33rd minute), Edouard (36th minute), Sima (38th, 41st minute), and especially Said, denied by Safonov (45+2). And it could have been worse without Risser’s firm save against “Dembouz” (44th minute)…

Lens made every attempt, but…

It was only after the traditional chorus of “Corons” by Pierre Bachelet that the beasts were unleashed. Once again, the Lensois attacking, with Safonov once again impassable against Sima (46th minute). “Motya” roared in response. Energized. And lucky, with Sima facing him and… shooting at his chest (53rd minute). Disappointing. Beware of Dembele’s strike that did not curl (57th minute). But it really wasn’t the Red and Gold’s night, as seen in the shot blocked by Zabarnyi’s calf (74th minute) and especially Sima, found perfectly by Thauvin but hitting the post (75th minute). The cursed Lensois…

Especially when Baidoo was forced to leave the field due to injury (60th minute). Is it serious, doctor? Obviously, the Safonov show continued, with the Russian goalkeeper stopping Sangare’s shot (80th minute). Unplayable. “We have to live a good match against the best team in the world,” Pierre Sage said before the match. His players heard the message. They showed their best face. But Safonov was the variable. Thauvin made Bollaert rejoice. Joy was short-lived, as the referee signaled offside (88th minute). No, it really wasn’t RC Lens’ night, as they conceded a second goal in injury time, on a swift counter, thanks to Mbaye, served by Doue (0-2, 90+2). However, the Lensois still had “a magnificent season,” as seen on a banner. Nothing can take that away from them.