Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Saint-Etienne: Dembele double extends Parisiens' winning run
A sixth consecutive victory across all competitions marked a successful return to Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain, as they triumphed over AS Saint-Étienne with a score of 2-1 at Parc des Princes, inflicting Eirik Horneland's first league defeat as manager of Les Verts.
Prior to the match, PSG showcased the Trophée des Champions, which they secured in Qatar the previous week. However, the visitors quickly sought to disrupt the festivities; in the opening minute, Zuriko Davitashvili attempted a shot at Gianluigi Donnarumma’s near post, but the goalkeeper successfully thwarted the effort.
Davitashvili had another opportunity shortly thereafter, but his attempt was deflected wide. Meanwhile, at the other end, both Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos were denied by Gautier Larsonneur during an energetic first ten minutes.
The first goal, which had been anticipated, arrived in the 13th minute, thanks to Ousmane Dembélé. He skillfully cut in from the right flank, evaded defenders, and struck past Larsonneur at the near post, marking his seventh goal of the league season.
Dembélé added to his tally just ten minutes later, converting a penalty after Achraf Hakimi’s cross struck Léo Pétrot's hand, thus extending the lead to 2-0.
The score remained unchanged until halftime, despite Barcola being denied on two occasions—first by a remarkable save from Larsonneur using his feet, and then by VAR, which disallowed a goal due to a foul on Benjamin Bouchouari.
Barcola's frustrating evening continued after the break, as he again failed to score from close range. Both he and Dembélé sent shots over the bar before the hour mark, during which Ramos cleverly volleyed an effort into Larsonneur’s midsection.
The Parisians were ultimately punished for their inability to secure the match, as Davitashvili struck a powerful low free-kick from 25 yards that proved too much for Donnarumma, finding the back of the net and narrowing the deficit.
Dembélé missed several opportunities to secure a hat-trick; however, Luis Enrique's league leaders managed to maintain their advantage and earn three points in their first Ligue 1 match of the calendar year, achieving this feat for only the second time in six years. In contrast, Saint-Étienne remains in 16th place, having accumulated just one point from away matches.
SportsLigue