Mbappe gamble backfires as Reims hold PSG
Luis Enrique's risk with Kylian Mbappe backfires as PSG manager faces the consequences of benching the star player. The Parisians suffer a letdown with a disappointing draw against Reims, with Achraf Hakimi making a surprising mistake.
Paris Saint-Germain failed to secure a victory at home against Reims as Kylian Mbappe started the match on the bench.
Match report
Paris Saint-Germain faced an early setback when Achraf Hakimi's error in the box allowed Reims to take the lead in the sixth minute at Parc des Princes. A well-placed pass from Junya Ito found Hakimi, who, unfortunately, lost possession to Oumar Diakite. Diakite then set up Marshall Munetsi, who successfully scored.
Despite the initial setback, the hosts gained control of the game and leveled the score through an own goal by Yunis Abdelhamid. Shortly after, Goncalo Ramos capitalized on Lee Kang-in's cross from the right, taking advantage of the Reims defense's failure to intercept, putting PSG in the lead.
Towards the end of the first half, Diakite equalized by skillfully navigating PSG's offside trap. He received a precise through ball from defender Emmanuel Agbadou and successfully bypassed Lucas Beraldo to find the back of the net.
In a bid to turn the tide, Luis Enrique made three attacking substitutions around the 70th-minute mark, bringing in Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ousmane Dembele. Despite Mbappe's late attempt on target, it didn't pose a significant challenge to the opponent's goalkeeper.
Man of the Match
The standout performer for Reims was Ivory Coast forward Diakite, who played a crucial role in the team's first goal by creating the opportunity and then skillfully equalized just before halftime, outsmarting PSG's high defensive line.
The major Disappointment
The major disappointment for PSG was defender Hakimi, who had a forgettable game, appearing unsteady throughout the entire 90 minutes and struggling against Reims' attackers. He was particularly responsible for the opening goal, making a risky decision to retain possession inside his penalty box, ultimately losing the ball to Diakite in a crucial position in front of the goal.
Luis Enrique's team will now turn their focus to cup competition, with the upcoming quarter-final match against Nice in the French Cup. It remains uncertain whether Mbappe will be in the starting lineup for that game. Meanwhile, Reims is scheduled to face Metz in a league clash on March 17.
Luis Enrique's recent remarks have essentially confirmed the imminent departure of the 25-year-old from Paris Saint-Germain, a situation that has been evident for the past few weeks. The coach has consistently either benched or substituted Mbappe, indicating the team's preparation for a future without the former Monaco forward, who is expected to leave the club when his contract expires in June.
The most likely destination for Mbappe has long been speculated as Real Madrid, the 14-time Champions League winners. The French forward has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital since gaining prominence with Monaco in 2017, and it seems that the transfer will finally materialize this summer.
