PSG stumble, pressure mounts, as Luis Enrique faces a crucial response tonight
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 22.04.26. | 15:33
Paris Saint-Germain look to steady the title charge against Nantes (8 pm) after a shock defeat to Lyon
Just when it seemed that Paris Saint-Germain had one hand firmly on the Ligue 1 title, a cold shower arrived at the Parc des Princes: a 2-1 defeat to Olympique Lyon. Suddenly, the gap over Lens is down to just a single point, with PSG still holding a game in hand against Nantes, to be played tonight in the French capital (8 pm).
For Nantes, survival hopes are fading fast. The eight-time champions are staring at relegation, clinging to a slim chance of catching Auxerre, who sit five points above them and currently occupy the play-out spot.
Not even the arrival of experienced coach Vahid Halilhodzic has sparked a turnaround. Nantes are stuck in a run of three consecutive draws, the latest a dramatic 1-1 against Brest, where they conceded deep into stoppage time. To make matters worse, Halilhodzic was sent off during the weekend clash and will be absent from the touchline tonight, along with his assistant Patrick Collot, who is also suspended.
"You can complain, but against the best team in the world, you can also get crushed," Halilhodzic admitted. "And after losing to Lyon, this is probably the worst moment to face them. We'll have to try, like Lyon did, but we'll need a lot of luck."
While Nantes are fighting for survival, PSG are juggling ambitions on multiple fronts. The loss to Lyon came shortly after a statement night in Europe, where Luis Enrique's side eliminated Liverpool with a 2-0 win at Anfield to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Despite the setback, Luis Enrique is not backing away from his rotation policy.
"Last season we won everything thanks to the squad players," he said. "They trained well and delivered when needed. We have a very strong team. If, after three years, you still don't understand how I manage it. That's for you to analyse. I see the bigger picture."
With a packed schedule ahead, including a looming European showdown with Bayern Munich, Luis Enrique is expected to shuffle his lineup again.
French media suggest that goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier could return to the starting XI for the first time since January, having lost his place to Matvey Safonov. In attack, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are pushing for recalls after starting on the bench against Lyon.
However, PSG will be without key Portuguese duo Nuno Mendes and Vitinha, as well as youngster Warren Zaire-Emery.
"Our objective is simple, we want to win," Enrique said. "The starting XI will be decided on matchday."
Earlier this season, PSG narrowly defeated Nantes 1-0 away, with Vitinha scoring the decisive goal midway through the second half. Now, with pressure mounting and the margin for error shrinking, anything less than victory could turn a title procession into a real fight.
LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 26
Wednesday
20.00: (1.18) PSG (7.75) Nantes (13.0)
***odds are subject to change***