This is one of the questions regarding PSG – Le Havre. Lucas Chevalier returns to the Parc des Princes for the first time since the pro RN “like” episode on Instagram. The French national team goalkeeper then defended himself by carrying out an “accidental” action. But many are wondering how the 23-year-old North goalkeeper will be received by the public.
Some people are expecting a reaction from the CUP (Collective Ultra Paris) suggesting they consider action. But when Chevalier came out to warm up at around 8:15 p.m., there were no signs of hostility emerging from the stands. The Auteuil group, which is very sensitive to issues related to racism, remained calm. We also didn’t hear any whistles when the PSG goalkeeper’s name was announced during the team composition either.
Two big saves at 0-0
However, in this context and after a mixed start to the season, Lucas Chevalier is under some pressure and has no right to miss out. His first choice for the French team last Sunday against Azerbaijan (3-1) was also frustrating with a goal conceded in the 4th minute and little work to do after that. However, the former Lille goalkeeper managed to equal this record. We haven’t seen a goalkeeper concede his first goal so quickly in a French team since René Llense, on February 17, 1935, against Italy (2-1 loss).
Facing Le Havre, he didn’t have to fight the cold because of his inactivity. He was called upon early on and it was he who kept the score at 0-0 thanks to two big saves. He initially remained solid in his support to deflect Kechta’s shot into a tight corner (14th). Soumaré then caught Beraldo and his cross was deflected by Nuno Mendes, almost scoring a goal against his team. But Chevalier was there to prevent Le Havre from opening the scoring thanks to a huge fingertip strike (27). Not long after, Kang-In Lee opened the scoring for PSG (1-0, 29). Chevalier was still present after deflecting Kechta’s shot decisively (39).
In the second half, he did not let his guard down, once again proving decisive with Zouaoui’s powerful shot at the first post which he diverted with a dive (62). And when he was beaten, he was saved by the post on Soumaré’s (70th) shot five minutes after his team’s second goal by Joao Neves (65th). PSG then rolled and added a 3rd goal through Bradley Barcola (3-0, 86). But he was able to rely on Lucas Chevalier who was firm before starting the engine.
Four days before Tottenham welcomes them to the Champions League, the PSG goalkeeper’s solid performance will certainly give him high confidence after the last few weeks spent under high pressure.
