PSG and Strasbourg got Ligue 1’s eighth matchday off to a spectacular start. The numerous talents on both sides repeatedly showed their class in the 3-3 draw, including at 1-0 and 1-2.
First against third – Ligue 1 kicked off after the international break with a top match. Right in the middle of it were the Doué brothers, Guela and Desiré – alongside Zabarnyi, one of two new additions after the 1-1 draw in Lille, while Pacho and Ndjantou were only on the bench.
In the brothers’ duel – they often faced each other as right-sided midfielder (Guela) and left-sided midfielder (Desiré) – Desiré took the lead. He played a one-two with Barcola, who then scored in the far corner (6′). Although PSG continued to play confidently with the lead behind them, the class of the equally talented Strasbourg team – at 22 years and 78 days, it was the second-lowest average age of the 22 regulars in Ligue 1 since 1947/48 – flashed again and again. For example, when Panichelli tested Chevalier with a backheel shot (11th minute).
Panichelli scores twice
However, the striker then won the second private duel between the two. He headed in perfectly from eleven meters out – Doué assisted again, this time to Guela. The hosts showed no reaction to the goal, but continued to play their game without any determination. RCS punished them for this, and how: Diego Moreira calmly slotted Barcos’ magnificent lob from the ankle into the far corner to make it 2-1 at half-time (41′).
The 21-year-old not only scored, but also provided the assist. Shortly after the restart, he set up Panichelli, who scored his second goal of the game (49′). Unlike after the previous goals, the capital city team showed more punch this time. Goncalo Ramos missed at first (53′), before scoring from the spot – Penders had fouled Desiré Doué – to reduce the deficit (58′).
As the game progressed, Luis Enrique’s team continued to increase the pressure. However, Goncalo Ramos was unlucky twice in front of goal (72′, 78′) – including a rebound after Lee’s shot hit the post (72′). Instead, Mayulu scored the long-awaited equalizer (79′). Although both teams had chances to snatch a late winner – Kvaratskhelia curled a shot just wide (84′), Panichelli headed over (86′) – the score remained 3-3.
The draw means Marseille could be the laughing third party and take the top spot in the table with a win against Le Havre on Saturday. PSG now travels to Leverkusen for their Champions League away game with two consecutive draws under their belt.