PSG continues its winning streak against Strasbourg and regains the top spot in Ligue 1.
Three days after a notable performance against Manchester City, PSG turned around a difficult situation at Strasbourg, winning 3-1 to secure three points and temporarily join Monaco at the top of Ligue 1. This could also mark their first appearance on the podium of the season by the end of the weekend.
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The Parisians' journey in the Champions League contrasts with their performance in Ligue 1. Luis Enrique's players have delivered two excellent performances in their two Champions League matches, the most recent being against Manchester City. In France, however, the capital club is still struggling to reach the podium after a difficult start to the season with several disappointing results.
However, PSG could well find themselves on the podium after the 7th matchday. At the Meinau, the Parisians secured their sixth victory in as many matches and joined Monaco at the top of the standings (14 pts), with one game in hand. Although OL, Rennes, and Lille could still theoretically surpass Paris, this is the first time this season that the reigning double European champions find themselves at the summit of Ligue 1.
A difficult start after significant rotation
As in their match against Le Mans the previous weekend (3-1 victory), Luis Enrique heavily rotated his squad, confirming the notion that he has one team for the league and another for the Champions League. But even with the depth of his bench, PSG initially appeared less dynamic, except for a few dangerous actions early in the match: Akliouche skewed his shot (9th) and Ferran Torres's header was deflected over the goal (11th).
The opening goal came from Strasbourg's Giovannu Reyna. Unbothered by the Parisian defense and a retreating Lucas Hernandez, he had time to turn and strike low to the near post, beating Matveï Safonov. However, the Parisian goalkeeper reacted perfectly to a well-placed header from Conrad Harder (50th) and closed down his near post—his weak spot—on a shot from the Dane (68th).
Dembélé missed but changed everything
Clearly dissatisfied with the performance of some players, the Spanish coach made his substitutions early in the match (53rd), bringing on Vitinha, Désiré Doué, and Nuno Mendes, who later left due to injury. At the hour mark, he introduced Ousmane Dembélé for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who had another quiet performance without posing any real threat. Dembélé, with an assist, a goal (and a missed penalty), as well as a pre-assist, reignited Paris's chances in the match.
Much more lively and threatening, they quickly equalized through Illia Zabarnyi, who was alone in front of goal and assisted by the Ballon d'Or (1-1, 77th). Less than ten minutes later, Dembélé turned the match around with a shot from the edge of the box (2-1, 85th), before setting up Torres for Désiré Doué (90+3, 3-1). For their part, the Strasbourg players continue their streak of disappointments with their third consecutive defeat (Paris FC, Nice) and will certainly have regrets given the number of chances created.
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