PSG suffer first defeat in Ligue I

A careless defense caused the defending runner-up to fall 1-2 on Strasbourg's field in round 16 of Ligue 1.

PSG unexpectedly lost the first match of the season

Goals: Da Costa 13', Bahoken 65' - Mbappe 42'

The unbeaten battleship was suddenly stopped by a team in the red zone (as of before round 16). Coach Unai Emery did not use striker Edinson Cavani in the starting lineup, but gave the opportunity to left-back Yuri Berchiche. The Spanish strategist's change did not work. On the contrary, PSG's attack could not maintain its efficiency, and Berchiche's position was often exploited.

Strasbourg, a team that had been promoted to third division for four years, surprisingly defeated PSG. Photo: AFP

The home team took a surprise lead in the 13th minute from a free kick. Nuno Da Costa beat PSG’s offside trap and headed past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The Stade de la Meinau erupted, giving Strasbourg – who had been playing in the French Fourth Division four years earlier – a boost of confidence.

The home team's momentum did not wane despite PSG's equaliser in the 42nd minute. Neymar initiated the attack with a pass to Rabiot down the left flank. The 22-year-old midfielder observed and crossed for Kylian Mbappe to score a cross. However, Strasbourg took the lead in the 65th minute. Once again the offside trap was not good, as the PSG defence allowed Stephane Bahoken to break through and finish into the top of the net. In this situation, goalkeeper Areola could have done better.

Neymar was helpless on the day PSG fell. Photo: AFP

Cavani came on for the remaining half hour but could not turn things around. PSG had 73% possession, won 13 corners and had 29 shots, but still left the Northeast empty-handed. The gap between them and Marseille is maintained at 10 points, when the port city team travels to Montpellier on Sunday, December 3.

PSG's defeat means there are just five unbeaten teams in Europe's top five leagues, Inter, Man City, Barcelona, ​​Atletico Madrid and Valencia.

According to VNE