Defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their title defense with a strong 4-1 victory over Le Havre. This marked their first competitive match following the departure of star player Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.
Lee Kang-in scored early to give PSG the lead, but Gautier Lloris equalized for Le Havre. Late goals from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and a Randal Kolo Muani penalty secured the win for PSG.
The match showcased PSG’s depth, with substitutes making a significant impact. PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, described it as a positive start to the season.
Key players like Kolo Muani, Dembele, and Barcola began on the bench, while new signing Joao Neves made his debut in the second half. Le Havre felt hard done by a disallowed goal, which could have changed the course of the game.
Despite Mbappe’s departure and the absence of some regular players, PSG showed promise. The team will aim to replicate their previous season’s success, having dominated domestic competitions and reached the Champions League semi-finals.
PSG’s young talents, including 16-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, impressed in the match. Lee’s early goal set the tone for PSG’s performance, with Dembele and Barcola sealing the win with late goals.
Looking ahead, PSG will focus on maintaining their winning momentum as they navigate the challenges of the new season. Other teams like Monaco and Marseille are set to begin their campaigns in the coming days.
Source: AFP