2024-01-03 22:23:26
The new year is off to a good start for Paris Saint-Germain. It only took three days in 2024 to claim a first title with the Champions Trophy, Wednesday January 3, by beating Toulouse (2-0), at the Parc des Princes. This is the twelfth coronation for the Parisians in this event which each season pits the outgoing winner of Ligue 1 once morest that of the Coupe de France. It is also Luis Enrique’s first trophy with the capital club which he joined last summer.
Initially scheduled for August in Thailand, the match was rescheduled to a new date and in the PSG stadium following the failure of the local promoter. To the great dismay of supporter organizations who boycotted the meeting, denouncing a lack of fairness and prohibitive ticket prices.
The Parisians did nothing to maintain the suspense of the meeting and, consequently, its interest. Kang-in Lee opened the scoring following only three minutes of play on a perfect serve from Ousmane Dembélé, well found upstream by Vitinha (1-0, 3e).
Kylian Mbappé, following an impressive solitary action of mastery and vivacity, doubled the lead just before half-time (2-0, 44e). With this achievement, the French international – who is now free to join the club of his choice at the end of his contract in six months – became the club’s top scorer at the Parc des Princes (111), ahead of Edinson Cavani (110).
Les premiers pas de Lucas Beraldo
Stifled in the first period, TFC still proved dangerous by Thijs Dallinga, whose shot was pushed back onto the post by Gianluigi Donnarumma (37e) when it was not too crossed (49e) or not powerful enough (90e +2), pair Cristian Casseres Jr (48e) or Vincent Sierra (65e). But he was almost punished for his lack of realism by Achraf Hakimi’s powerful free kick on the post (56e).
The only downside of the evening: PSG lost their central defender Milan Skriniar. The Slovakian left with an injury following a blow with an opponent. Which made it possible, on the other hand, to observe the first steps of new Brazilian recruit Lucas Beraldo. An important addition in a defensive sector still lacking Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles tendon) and Nuno Mendes (hamstring) before seeing Achraf Hakimi leave for the African Cup of Nations (CAN, from January 13 to February 11 in Ivory Coast).
The absence of Milan Skriniar should not be detrimental to dismissing Revel (Regional 1), Sunday, in 32es of the Coupe de France final. It would be even more so if it were to extend until February 14 with the prospect of the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League once morest Real Sociedad. A competition that PSG covets with much more interest than this 47e edition of the Champions Trophy.
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