Like Bayern, like PSG: Saints held by Lorient as Enrique prioritises Munich showdown

Rotation brought risk, and for Paris Saint-Germain, it almost came at a cost.

Just days after a breathless UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and ahead of the return leg, Luis Enrique opted to rest key players against mid-table Lorient. The result was a disjointed display and a 2-2 draw that underlined how fine the margins remain in the Ligue 1 title race.

With a six-point cushion over Lens, Luis Enrique gambled on rotation. He did not get the performance he wanted, but did, at least, extend the lead by a point.

The goals themselves owed much to fortune. Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye opened the scoring inside six minutes when the ball ricocheted off him and into the net, before Warren Zaire-Emery restored the lead with a driven effort that squeezed through a crowded box.

Lorient, however, played without fear and with greater clarity.

Pablo Pagis equalised early with a well-taken volley, left unmarked in the area, before Tosin Aiyegun struck on the counter late on, punishing defensive lapses from PSG debutant Pierre Mounegue. The young forward, prolific at a youth level, endured a difficult introduction to senior football.

With Bayern, only one thing's for sure - there will be goals

For Luis Enrique, though, the bigger picture may still justify the means. Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos were all rested, while others saw limited minutes - clear signs of a squad managed with one eye firmly on Munich.

PSG travel to face Bayern on Wednesday night with a narrow 5-4 advantage. Domestically, the job is not yet done. But for now, Luis Enrique appears willing to accept dropped points in pursuit of a far greater prize.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 32

Saturday

Nantes - Olympique Marseille 3-0 (0-0)

/Ganago 50, Cabella 54, Abline 58/

PSG - Lorient 2-2 (1-1)

/Mbaye 6, Zaire-Emery 62 - Pagin 12, Tosin 78/

Metz - Monaco IN PROGRESS

22.05: (4.60) Nice (3.60) Lens (1.80)

Sunday

16.00: (1.40) Lille (4.50) Le Havre (8.50)

18.15: (1.75) Auxerre (3.50) Angers (5.00)

18.15: (2.05) Paris (3.45) Brest (3.60)

18.15: (2.60) Strasbourg (3.35) Toulouse (2.70)

21.45: (2.25) Olympique Lyon (3.50) Rennes (3.10)

***odds are subject to change***