Before this game, we faced PSG twice in this season – in the league and in the French Cup Semi Final. We only managed to get a 1-1 draw at our home turf, however, managed to beat them 2-1 in the French Cup Semi Final. This game was the 35th league match, where Hennequin’s Lyon was the leader of Ligue 1 with 88 points while Tuchel’s PSG was sitting at the second position with 85 points. In order to win the title, I had prepared myself for this game. Tough, but the Lyon boys were ready.
Analysing the opponent
As usual, I was analysing the opponent before each game. According to the scouting report, heading and long shots were their main strengths. Then, I looked at their front three and I shook my head. Neymar and Mbappe can shot from distance and Icardi can win challenges in the air. In order to counter that, I adjusted the line of engagement to lower and defensive line to higher. The main reason is to narrow down the space between the defence and attack, as well as giving PSG a limited space to operate the ball. I also changed Counter-Press into Regroup, to ensure my players are not playing out of the position in the game, as PSG is extremely dangerous in counter-attacking. I wasn’t paying too much attention in their weaknesses as I was pretty happy with our team’s attacking play. I was pretty confident that we would at least score one goal in this match.
vs PSG
We went into the match with our strongest starting line-up. Anthony Lopes started as the goalkeeper. Leo Dubois, Joachim Anderson, Jason Denayer, and Youssouf Kone were the back four. Jean Lucas and Lucas Tousart played as the centre midfielder, with Houssem Aouar as the number 10. Front three were Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Memphis Depay and Moussa Dembele.
We scored the first goal in the 8th minutes. It was a beautiful goal by Jeff Reine-Adelaide. It started from the back where Joachim Anderson intercepted a clearance by PSG. We were playing amazing one touch football until Moussa Dembele passed the ball to Jeff Reine-Adelaide. The winger then dribbled past a PSG defender and fired the ball into the bottom of the net. Lyon 1 PSG 0. The second goal was a header from Joachim Anderson. Memphis Depay took the corner and Joachim Anderson scored the goal with an easy header. Lyon 2 PSG 0.
PSG pulled one back in the 21st minute. Neymar dribbled into the box and took a shot. Dubois blocked the shot well but Kylian Mbappe was there to pick up the rebound. I wasn’t too upset because we defended well and it was just unlucky that the ball reached Mbappe’s foot. I did not do any big changes and both teams were just extremely quiet in the second half. The game finished 1-2 and Lyon collected the 3 points in Paris.
It gave us a 6 points lead with 3 more games to go and we could secured the title if we won the next two games. Overall, I was impressed by the boys and extremely happy to win the game against PSG. 3 more games to go, and we are going to work hard and clinch the title anytime soon. In the next chapter, it would be a season review and we will see which player deserves the praise.
ABT Football Manager 