Lucas Chevalier passed his baptism of fire in goal for Paris Saint-Germain after the turmoil surrounding his predecessor Gianluigi Donnarumma – albeit with a few minor flaws. There was praise for the new keeper – and criticism for PSG from Donnarumma’s agent.
All eyes were naturally on Lucas Chevalier. Paris Saint-Germain’s new number 1 had to prove himself at the highest level right away, with the heated debate surrounding the departure of his predecessor and triple hero Gianluigi Donnarumma surely in the back of his mind.
In the 48th minute, the new keeper in the PSG goal suffered his first setback when he let a not particularly dangerous header from Spurs captain Romero slip through his hands, allowing Tottenham to take a 2-0 lead. It was a mistake that ultimately had no consequences, as the Champions League winners staged a late comeback against the Europa League champions and triumphed in the penalty shootout that followed.
Thanks in part to Chevalier, who made up for his mistake at 0-2 by saving Micky van de Ven’s penalty and thus ensuring a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout. “It’s a bit like a script – he comes in and immediately has a penalty shootout,” said teammate Ousmane Dembelé on Canal+: “It’s great for his debut, we’re happy.”
The Donnarumma camp, on the other hand, was less than pleased. Vincenzo Raiola, the agent of the demoted Italian world-class keeper, lashed out after his client was not even included in the squad for the final. “We’re talking about bullying,” Raiola told Radio Sportiva. “He’s not the one who wants to leave, quite the contrary. They have decided that Donnarumma will no longer be part of PSG.”
After the game, coach Luis Enrique demonstratively put his arm around Chevalier, who had been brought in from OSC Lille because he was “looking for a different type of goalkeeper.” Chevalier also received encouragement from his captain after the game. “We trusted Lucas. We know him,” said Marquinhos. “You have to be able to handle the pressure, that’s how it is at PSG. Welcome to the team! He’s a top goalkeeper.”