Despite leaving two points in the derby at the Monegasque home, Paris has 55 points, well ahead of Brest (43). Monaco remains in 3rd, with 42
Photo: Valery Hache/ AFP via Getty Images – Caption: Mbappé tries to finish, but Chilean Maripán manages to block it. French star was substituted at half-time in this 0-0 – / Play10
In the game that opened the 24th round of the French Championship, this Friday (1/3), leader PSG went to the Louis II Stadium to visit Monaco. He was under pressure in the first half, when goalkeeper Donnarumma stood out with four great saves. It was a little better in the stage after all. But there was no goal: 0 to 0. With this point, PSG are at 55, ahead, with 12 ahead of second-place Brest (one game less). Monaco comes in third, with 42 points.
The game marked the return of left-back Nuno Mendes, from PSG. The Portuguese player, who had a serious injury to his right thigh, underwent complicated surgery and was inactive for 11 months. Entered the final stage. Brazilian Beraldo, finally playing his position, had an irregular first half, but did well in the final stage. Mbappé was a different case. He played poorly, left at half-time and throughout the second half he was paraded in the stands of his former team’s stadium.
The game was this Friday for PSG to get a good rest. After all, on Tuesday (5/3) they face Real Sociedad, in the Champions League. The return duel will be in Spain (in the first leg, PSG 2-0).
PSG very bad in the 1st half
Without Marquinhos, injured, and with Mbappé unrecognizable, PSG had a terrible first half. There was a single attack with some danger, a shot by Asensio (who was injured in the first half). In defense, many flaws. Beraldo, called up to the Brazilian team this Friday, was easily involved by Monaco’s attack in two moves. However, after 25 minutes, he began to show his game, somewhat hampered by two factors: the Brazilian had been playing as a winger, not a defender; and for the first time he partnered at center back with Mukiele.
In fact, the home team had at least three clear opportunities, with Balogun, Golovin, Akliouche (twice). In all four, goalkeeper Donnaruma made great saves. Thus, he prevented PSG from leaving with a defeat at half-time. When the Italian archer didn’t save, he got lucky. Ben Yedder received the ball in the box, dribbled past Donnarumma and scored for Monaco. But the referee ruled offside. Thus, the 0-0 draw fell from the sky for PSG.
Paris improves in the final stage
After half-time, the surprise: coach Luis Enrique Mbappé replaced Kolo Muani, trying to improve PSG’s offensive quality. But it was Monaco who almost scored, with Ben Yeffer’s shot hitting the PSG crossbar. The Parisians got scared when Beraldo headed a set piece. However, it was from the final 25 minutes onwards that Paris started to have more offensive momentum, although they did not reach the goal. Meanwhile, Mbappé strolled through Monaco’s grandstand (his former team, by the way).
Games of the 24th round of the French
Friday (1/3)
Monaco 0x0 PSG
Saturday (2/3)
Reims x Lille – 13h
Clermont x Olympique – 5 p.m.
Domingo (3/3)
Toulouse x Nice – 9h
Brest x Le Havere – 11h
Nates x Metz – 11h
Montpellier x Strasbourg – 11h
Rennes x Lorient – 1:05 p.m.
Lyon x Lens – 16h45
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