Paris Saint-Germain missed the chance to secure the league title in their own stadium. The capital city side struggled to a 3-3 draw against basement side Le Havre. For a long time, it even looked like the second league defeat of the year
The championship in sight, the Champions League semi-final at the back of their minds: France’s designated champions Paris Saint-Germain had the opportunity to secure their third championship in a row with a three-pointer in front of their home crowd in their clash with basement dwellers Le Havre. At the same time, the French capital club also had the upcoming clash with Borussia Dortmund on their minds, which was also reflected in coach Luis Enrique’s line-up. The Spaniard replaced ten players compared to the clear 4:1 against Lorient during the week. Only the in-form Dembelé was once again on the pitch from the start
Le Havre shock PSG twice
One player missing from the starting line-up was superstar Mbappé, who saw his side dominate the early stages without creating any big chances. And so the underdogs took the lead with the first chance of the game. A quick exchange of passes landed with Operi, who made it 1:0 from 13 meters (19th minute). The favorites were not shocked for long, however, and PSG launched furious attacks immediately after conceding the goal – and that was soon to pay off. Zaire-Emery crossed in the penalty area and Barcola was in the right place at the second post to make it 1:1 (29′).
The picture remained the same after the break, with PSG dominating possession but without creating any compelling opportunities. And before the break, the visitors were on hand again. Nego set up Ayew with a chipped pass and he kept his cool: his low shot into the right corner gave Le Havre the lead again (38′), which they took into the break. PSG coach Luis Enrique had to react at the break and he did just that
Touré scores from the spot – late double saves Paris
The coach took Mbappé onto the pitch to celebrate the early league title after all. But it was the visitors who were allowed to celebrate again. After a foul by Danilo Pereira on Nego, the referee decided to award a penalty following a VAR referral – Touré remained ice-cold from the spot and increased Le Havre’s lead (61′).
The Parisians refused to give up, however, and in the closing stages Hakimi brought the home side back into contention after Goncalo Ramos’ assist (78′). A fiercely contested final phase ensued, in which Goncalo Ramos had a great opportunity to equalize. However, Desmas saved the Portuguese’s attempt from close range superbly (85′). However, it was still not over and the favorites struck again deep into six minutes of stoppage time. Goncalo Ramos latched onto a Lee cross and nodded home to equalize the score at 3:3 late on (90.+5).
The embarrassment was thus averted, but the decision in the championship was postponed, as it remained 3:3. PSG will face Borussia Dortmund next Wednesday (9pm) in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Le Havre then host Strasbourg on Saturday (3 p.m.)
