PSG – Troyes: Paris hanging on the Parc des Princes

The promoted Aube came to stand up to the new champion of France. Troyes won a draw against PSG on Sunday as part of the 36th day of Ligue 1 (2-2). Despite two late goals following the opener from Marquinhos (6th) and a penalty converted by Neymar (25th), the ESTAC players were brave but also sharp. Iké Ugbo reduced the gap (30th) and Florian Tardieu equalized with a Panenka (49th). The men of Bruno Irles then held on and offered themselves a precious point in the quest for a maintenance which is taking shape well with a 15th place and 6 lengths ahead of the barrage Saint-Etienne who has a game behind.

Mauricio Pochettino surprised his world by returning to a 4-2-3-1 without Sergio Ramos but with Angel Di Maria. The unexpected Argentinian quickly justified the confidence of his compatriot by quickly placing a beautiful curled shot that Jessy Moulin diverted (6th). He followed up on his right side with a center on which the offensive Marquinhos opened the scoring from close (1-0, 6th). Put into orbit by its captain, PSG obtained a penalty thanks to the discreet Kylian Mbappé. Neymar transformed it without shaking for the goal of the break, his 12th in the league this season (2-0, 25th).

Troyes proves to be responsive

The Parisians then seemed to be on their way to unroll. It was without counting on the courage and the faculty of percussion of the ESTAC. The centrals Giulian Biancone and Erik Palmer-Brown had almost regained the lead against Keylor Navas at the very start of the match (4th). The Ugbo center-forward did not spoil the involuntary offer of Nuno Mendes and placed his cross shot in the back of the net to quickly reduce the mark (2-1, 30th). The Anglo-Canadian who arrived this winter in Aube is already at 5 achievements in L1. He completely restarted a match which became unbridled.

Inconsistent in the middle and in defense, PSG was still able to count on its offensive talent and Lionel Messi shot just wide of the target (33rd) then on the post (37th). In the meantime, Palmer-Brown had won with a header in the Paris area on a free kick but his recovery had gone over the frame (34th). Often surrounded by opposing defenders, Mbappé heated the gloves of Moulin who held on just before the break (45th + 1).

Bold Tardieu, Messi still frustrated

Troyes started strong on the restart and obtained a penalty for a collision by Presnel Kimpembe on Renaud Ripart. Its captain Tardieu dared and succeeded in his Panenka against Navas to equalize (2-2, 49th). As in Strasbourg on the previous day (3-3), PSG had let slip a double advantage. This time, he had time to react and pushed but Achraf Hakimi did not get another penalty (53rd) and Neymar’s goal was disallowed by the VAR for a foul by Mbappé on Palmer-Brown (57th) .

Dominating because physically superior during the last half hour, PSG laid siege to the camp of Trojans who formed a block. The beautiful head of Marquinhos however finished next to the cage of Moulin (84th). Messi, for his part, lacked success with an axial shot which hit the crossbar (90th + 1). The Pulga have hit the uprights 10 times this season. Despite a total of 17 shots for 7 on target, Paris concedes a third draw in a row in the league, a first for 2 years. The point obtained will make Troyes more happy, as they no longer need much to secure their future in the top flight.