PSG fightback denies Strasbourg in six-goal Ligue 1 thriller
On Friday, Paris Saint-Germain mounted a robust second-half comeback to end in a 3-3 draw against a spirited Strasbourg, enabling Luis Enriques injury affected team to cling onto their leadership in Ligue 1.
Bradley Barcola handed the defending French and European title holders PSG an initial lead at Parc des Princes, yet Strasbourg surged back strongly to go 3-1 up courtesy of a brace from Joaquin Panichelli plus a strike by Diego Moreira.
That said, Goncalo Ramos slotted home a penalty before Senny Mayulu levelled for PSG, sparing them a potential second loss in just eight league matches this term.
Strasbourg rank undoubtedly among Ligue 1s top outfits, so we anticipated the challenge, noted Luis Enrique, who still affirmed the need to rotate several vital squad members fresh from international commitments.
Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha remained on the bench unused, whereas Khvicha Kvaratskhelia featured only post interval.
PSG retained their table topping status, one point ahead of Strasbourg following the denial of the Alsace clubs maiden away victory in 35 elite division visits to the capital side.
Still, the outcome opens the door for Marseille and Lyon to surpass both PSG and Strasbourg with triumphs on Saturday, OM hosting Le Havre at home whilst Lyon head to Nice.
Our aim remains competing for every trophy, though that proves immensely tough, the Spanish manager continued.
We require the return of three or four key figures, yet I view it as a solid showing from the players involved.
PSG continued absent Ballon dOr recipient Ousmane Dembele, sidelined by ongoing hamstring rehabilitation from his French national team duty last month.
Skipper Marquinhos joined midfield pair Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves on the treatment list, although the mostly reserve Paris lineup rejoiced the return of Desire Doue after over a month away.
Panichelli double
Doue assisted Barcolas opener and earned the spot kick that saw Ramos net the homesides subsequent effort.
PSG led from the sixth minute as Barcola linked with Doue during his penalty area incursion and rifled in his fourth strike this campaign.
Strasbourg, victors 2-1 over the Parisians on home soil last May, equalised on 26 minutes when Guela Doue, Desires older sibling, delivered from the flank for Argentine forward Panichelli to nod home powerfully.
The away team then edged ahead right before the break with Valentin Barco lofting beyond the home backline for Belgian youth cap Moreira to slot beyond custodian Lucas Chevalier.
Moreira subsequently assisted Panichelli for a 3-1 cushion soon into the second period, the recent arrival claiming his seventh league goal in only eight outings.
However, PSG, defeated in Marseille recently, secured a penalty after Doue tumbled to a challenge from shot stopper Mike Penders, Ramos dispatching it flawlessly.
Lee Kang-in struck the upright with a drive prior to teeing up Mayulus equaliser 11 minutes remaining, the teenager witnessing his first effort parried by Penders yet nodding the rebound.
The Champions League holders now refocus on Europe with a journey to Bayer Leverkusen Tuesday, having triumphed over Atalanta and Barcelona already this term.
Liam Roseniors Strasbourg in contrast prepare for Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok in the UEFA Conference League shortly.
I simply desired our players to depart proud of their display tonight, and they absolutely achieved that, remarked the English coach.
We faced the worlds finest team, period. They honour this league, and the match itself honoured the league.
Further Ligue 1 fixtures this weekend feature Monaco visiting Angers Saturday, marking new Belgian boss Sebastien Pocognolis debut at the clubs helm.