September 20, (THEWILL) – Although Paris Saint-Germain unleashed the full strength of their loaded attack of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. against Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday in the matchday six fixture at home, it was super substitute Mauro Icardi who saved the day with a dying minute goal to give PSG a 2-1 win.
The victory allowed Les Parisiens maintain their 100 per cent start to the 2021/2022 campaign in Ligue 1 with their 1-1 stalemate against Club Brugge, at the Jan Breydel Stadion in Brugge Belgium, in the midweek UEFA Champions League tie, the only time they have dropped points so far.
The trio of Mbappe, Messi and Neymar, who all featured in that draw and who could not get the win expected of their quality, were intending to correct that impression when they set out against Lyon at their Parc de Princes in France.
The determination of the strikers to prove themselves saw them dominate the early exchanges while keeping the opposition busy and on their toes. Yet, despite a dominant opening 45 minutes, it looked like their frustrations of not delivering the expected goods were not going to change.
Even sparks of typical Messi brilliance were insufficient on the day. The 34-year-old, released through on goal following a one-two with Neymar, could not go beyond goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, in the post for Lyon.
As if Lyon was conspiring to give Messi the chance for a goal, he got his opportunity to weave a free-kick in from 30 yards out. It was not his day because having gone past the wall and beaten the keeper, he was denied a memorable debut goal as the ball struck the crossbar instead of going in.
The second half was just only nine minutes in before the hosts were suddenly behind. Karl Toko Ekambi took advantage of being allowed freedom on the left flank and sent a cross into the feet of Lucas Paqueta, who drove past centre back Presnel Kimpembe before beating Gianluigi Donnarumma, in goal.
Their excited lead was brief because 12 minutes later Neymar stood over the ball in the penalty spot waiting for the referee’s whistle. The Brazilian playmaker had been fouled by the 18-year-old Malo Gusto in the box and the penalty kick was the consequence. Neymar showed great composure to score, sending the keeper the wrong way.
PSG manager, Mauricio Pochettino, wanted to recalibrate his attack and bring in fresh legs. He made a very bold move to call for Messi’s substitution. The former Barcelona player, not used to be subbed, did not look happy when he was replaced in the 76th-minute.
But, Pochettino’s bold substitutions proved tactical. It was three minutes into stoppage-time when Mauro Icardi, introduced for Angel Di Maria, popped up to head home from Mbappe’s sublime cross to send the home supporters wild with the ecstacy of victory as their team have maintained six wins from six and are five points clear of their closest rivals Marseille.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
