After coming on for a few minutes, Saturday 22 November, when beating Monaco at Rennes (4-1), Paul Pogba returned to the field, while Paris Saint-Germain maintained their lead in the standings by dominating Le Havre (3-0), ahead of OM and Lens, on the 13th day of Ligue 1.
After more than two years out and a series of disappointments, the France international deserved to get some minutes in Brittany. Entering at the end of the match (85), when the Monegasques were already four goals behind, the 2018 world champions received a standing ovation from Roazhon Park.
The midfielder, who looked moved, has not played a professional match since September 3 2023. At that time he played with Juventus Turin against Empoli (2-0) in the Italian Championship before a suspension for doping and several injuries kept him off the field.
This personal victory in no way erases Saturday’s crushing defeat of the Principality side who are stuck in the standings. Beaten by Rennes (5, 21 points) and missing their captain Denis Zakaria, sent off for a bad tackle on Esteban Lepaul (65), the Monegasques suffered a second defeat in a row after their setback against Lens – already at 4-1, already reduced to 10 men.
Excellent performance from Lucas Chevalier
At the top of the rankings, Paris remains in the lead despite a busy defence, having achieved new success on Saturday at the Parc des Princes (3-0) against Le Havre. However, the Normandy team tested Lucas Chevalier, who saved the Paris team with several decisive saves.
The goalkeeper, who has been in outstanding form, is coming off a complicated period in which he endured a series of mediocre sporting performances and found himself at the center of controversy after liking a message supporting RN on social networks.
With 30 points, Luis Enrique’s men are two points clear of Olympique de Marseille, Friday’s winners over down-and-out Niçois (5-1). Phocéens is followed in the standings by RC Lens, who beat Strasbourg on Saturday (1-0), who have the same number of points but a lower goal difference.
The unlikely hero in this podium battle, young 20-year-old Ismaëlo Ganiou, gave Sang et Or victory, never much to worry about for the Alsatia team. With 28 points, Lens established itself as the third force in the championship and dropped Strasbourg (4th) to six points, within reach of Lille and Lyon before the end of day 13.
