Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Lyon: Five Things We Learned as PSG Comeback against Rivals

Pastore was essential in PSG’s win over Lyon, providing them with two assists. Image: Getty

PSG got themselves a much needed win against rivals Lyon thanks to goals from Rabiot and Draxler. Here are five things we learned from the encounter.

5. PSG Aren’t Gone

PSG have enjoyed a mediocre league campaign, sitting in second place, a sight we’re not used to seeing from them. Added to their epic collapse in the Champions League against Barcelona, many thought their days as a top European club are over. That’s not entirely true. While they may not be the same, they demonstrated skill in their win over rivals Lyon, and they can surely challenge for the title if they play to their potential.

4. Lacazette Still Has It

Alexandre Lacazette, last year’s top scorer, scored the first goal of the match in the ninth minute to put Lyon up ahead early. If Lyon continue to fail to qualify for the Champions League, we could see the Frenchman leave, many clubs being rumored to have an interest in the striker. He is one of the best forwards in the world, and it’s unlikely he’ll wish to stay in the Ligue 1, perhaps moving to the Premier League.

3. “La Remuntada” Still There

They may have won the derby, but flashes of that collapse were still there. They were not entirely confident, and they missed several easy chances that should have ultimately allowed them to win comfortably against a weaker team. That loss wil certainly have a psychological effect on the players, and they’ll need to put it behind them and focus solely on the league right now if they wish to challenge for the top spot and defend their league title.

2. Lyon Need to Win

Lyon were outmatched, but they do have their win against Roma in the Europa League to be happy about. They currently sit fourth in the Ligue 1, and fifth place sits just four points behind. They need to remain within the top five spots to be assured a spot in Europe, and it is extremely unlikely that they will be able to grab a Champions League spot, currently sitting an entire 14 points behind third placed Nice. If they can continue to play well in the Europa League, it is likely that they will advance to the semifinals, having drawn Turkish side, Besiktas in the quarterfinals.

1. Pastore Can Pass

While he may not be Andrea Pirlo, Pastore provided two assists in PSG’s win, almost earning himself a third in the second half. It was an impressive performance from the Argentine who willed his team to victory with a couple of great, incisive passes. PSG’s midfield is among the best in the world, with names such as Marco Verratti, Javier Pastore, Julian Draxler, and Blaise Matuidi. While they may not have the same attack after losing star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they are still a formidable opponent for any team in the world.

PSG XI: Trapp 5.5; Aurier 6, Marquinhos 6.5, Thiago Silva 6.5, Maxwell 6; Verratti 6.5 (Motta 89′, N/A), Rabiot 7, Pastore 7.5 (Lucas 79′, 6); di Maria 6.5, Cavani 6, Draxler 7 (Matuidi 54′, 6.5)

Unused Subs: Areola, Kurzawa, Ben Arfa, Guedes

Lyon XI: Lopes 6; Rafael 6, Yanga-Mbiwa 6.5, Diakhaby 6.5, Morel 6; Gonalons 6.5, Tolisso 6.5; Valbuena 6.5 (Ghezzal 64′, 6), Fekir 5.5, Depay 5.5 (Cornet 77′, 5.5); Lacazette 6 (Darder 52′, 6)

Unused Subs: Gorgelin, Jallet, Tousart, Ferri

Referee: Clement Turpin

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