The inevitable has finally arrived. Paris Saint-Germain, already 99% certain of the title, officially sealed their Ligue 1 triumph this Wednesday evening. A 2-0 victory over Lens, who had already secured their spot in the upcoming Champions League, was achieved through crucial goals from Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia in the 29th minute and Ibrahim Mbaye in the 90th minute + 3.

Trailing at halftime, the Lens players could only lament their missed opportunities as they headed to the dressing room. Pierre Sage’s side had created a flurry of chances but failed to convert any into goals. With 14 attempts, six of which were on target, frustration was palpable during a first half where Wesley Saïd (20e, 36e, 45e + 3), Adrien Thomasson (20e, 33e), Odsonne Édouard (24e), and Abdallah Sima (38e, 39e, 41e) all tested the Parisian defence without success.

A singular Lens misstep proved costly for Parisians

In contrast, the Parisians capitalized on a single defensive lapse to punish their hosts. Following an interception of Malang Sarr’s one-touch pass, Ousmane Dembélé, relentless in his pressing, threaded a pass directly to Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia. The latter then unleashed a powerful cross-shot that beat Robin Risser in the 29th minute. Paris nearly extended their lead when Bradley Barcola recovered the ball near the Lens penalty area, setting up Dembélé for another cross-shot, which Risser brilliantly parried away in the 43rd minute.

“It’s a mixed feeling. We are happy with our performance but frustrated with the outcome. We played well, but we need to convert our chances into goals,” commented Lens coach Pierre Sage at halftime. His words, however, did not immediately translate into action for his players. Shortly after returning to the pitch, the northern side created another clear opportunity, but Sima lost his one-on-one duel with Matveï Safonov in the 46th minute.

Sima, demonstrating strength against Lucas Hernandez, saw his subsequent shot (54e) once again repelled by Safonov’s chest. While PSG had a dangerous moment through Dembélé (57e), Lens quickly resumed their assault on the Parisian goal. Illia Zabarnyi deflected two shots from Saint-Maximin (72e, 73e), and the post came to Safonov’s rescue after Sima had beaten him with another attempt in the 74th minute.

The Russian custodian remained a towering presence, making another crucial foot save from a Sangaré volley following a cross from Udol (80e). Ruthless in their counter-attacks, the Parisians punished Lens a second time when Doué’s cross found Mbaye, who struck a superb one-touch shot that found the net via the crossbar in the 90th minute + 3. Thauvin took a final shot, but his off-target effort perfectly encapsulated his team’s lack of finishing luck (90e + 6).

Player spotlight: Safonov stood unyielding

Having been rested against Brest in favor of Renato Marin, Matveï Safonov returned to the starting lineup for PSG’s crucial away fixture at Lens. The Russian goalkeeper once again demonstrated his undisputed status as the team’s primary shot-stopper. Despite Lens unleashing 25 shots, with 10 on target, Safonov remained impenetrable, making eight vital saves to thwart the opposition’s attacking efforts.

Only Gianluigi Donnarumma, on March 31, 2024, against Marseille (10 saves), and Keylor Navas, on May 9, 2021, against Rennes (9 saves), have recorded more saves in a single Ligue 1 match for Paris SG goalkeepers under QSI ownership. Even when he was beaten, the post came to his rescue in the 74th minute. “We came up against a truly great goalkeeper,” admitted Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré after the match, undoubtedly disheartened by his opponent’s performance.