Paris Saint-Germain launched their Ligue 1 title defence with a 1-0 victory over Nantes on Sunday. PSG, the reigning Champions League winners, secured the points when Vitinha’s second-half shot deflected in. The result keeps PSG on track despite a short pre-season and heavy rotation from coach Luis Enrique.
Rotated PSG Find Breakthrough Through Vitinha
The deadlock broke on 67 minutes. Ousmane Dembele played a short corner to Nuno Mendes, who squared for Vitinha. The Portuguese midfielder controlled and fired, with the effort taking a wicked touch off Chidozie Awaziem to wrong-foot goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. Goncalo Ramos had earlier struck the bar and later saw an effort ruled out for offside, while Bradley Barcola dragged a late chance just wide.
Luis Enrique made seven changes after the UEFA Super Cup shootout win over Tottenham Hotspur. PSG only resumed training on August 6 following a Club World Cup run in mid-July and played no friendlies, so sharpness will build over the coming weeks. Even so, they managed the game well against a disciplined but blunt Nantes in Luis Castro’s first competitive match in charge.
New Faces Impress as Enrique Manages Minutes
Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi completed the full match on his PSG debut after a reported €66 million switch from Bournemouth. Lucas Chevalier started in goal, immediately taking over from Gianluigi Donnarumma as Enrique’s first choice. Big names such as Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue, Nuno Mendes, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia began on the bench but helped tilt the contest when introduced.
PSG host Angers next Friday in Ligue 1. Elsewhere, Olivier Giroud opened his account for Lille in a 3-3 draw at Brest. Angers beat Paris FC 1-0, Strasbourg edged Metz 1-0, and Auxerre beat Lorient 1-0. Monaco lead the early standings after a 3-1 win over Le Havre.
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