By Martin Graham | 28th Apr 2024
In a thrilling match against Le Havre, Paris St-Germain staged a late comeback but ultimately missed the chance to secure the Ligue 1 title. Despite their efforts, PSG needed a victory to be crowned champions, but found themselves trailing 3-1 midway through the second half. The tension mounted as Achraf Hakimi’s goal in the 78th minute ignited hopes of a turnaround before Goncalo Ramos’s stoppage-time equalizer.
The match began with Christopher Operi opening the scoring for Le Havre, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter. Bradley Barcola, however, ensured parity for the hosts with his timely leveler. The back-and-forth affair saw Andre Ayew restoring Le Havre’s lead before the break, leaving PSG with an uphill battle.
Delayed celebrations and focus on the Champions League
Despite PSG’s valiant efforts, Abdoulaye Toure extended Le Havre’s advantage from the penalty spot just after the hour mark, adding to PSG’s woes. The late surge spearheaded by Hakimi offered a glimpse of hope, but ultimately fell short of securing the coveted title for PSG. With the draw, PSG maintains a 12-point lead over second-placed Monaco, but their quest for a third consecutive title must wait until at least May 12, when they have the opportunity to celebrate with their fans.
As PSG awaits their chance to lift the Ligue 1 trophy, their focus now shifts to the Champions League semi-finals. With fixtures against Borussia Dortmund looming, PSG is determined to advance to their second final in the competition. The prospect of facing Dortmund twice in six days adds another layer of anticipation to PSG’s quest for European glory.
Mbappe’s influence and tactical problems
Kylian Mbappe’s cameo appearance off the bench, replacing Ousmane Dembele in the second half, failed to yield the desired impact for PSG. Despite his undeniable talent, Mbappe struggled to influence the outcome of the match, highlighting the challenges faced by PSG in breaking down Le Havre’s resolute defense. As PSG navigates the final stages of both domestic and European competitions, tactical adjustments and player performances will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
