Ramos shows he can replace Mbappe in fiery Marseille win
Is Goncalo Ramos capable of filling Kylian Mbappe's shoes after all? The Portuguese sensation secures a crucial victory for PSG with a superb performance as he substitutes the frustrated talisman in a heated Classique clash against Marseille. Despite being down to 10 men, PSG emerges triumphant, largely thanks to Ramos' impactful contribution. This raises questions about Ramos' potential to step up in Mbappe's absence and become a key player for the team.
The Paris Saint-Germain pair of Goncalo Ramos and Vitinha led their 10-man squad to a 2-0 victory against their fierce rivals Marseille in Le Classique on Sunday.
Match Report
The match remained quite open throughout, with Marseille showing early determination, but PSG gradually gained momentum. However, PSG faced increased difficulty when Lucas Beraldo received a red card late in the first half. Beraldo, already booked, pushed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the field as they chased the ball. Initially, the referee awarded a free-kick without a second yellow card, but after reviewing the replay, he determined that Beraldo had obstructed a potential goal-scoring opportunity, resulting in a red card.
Despite the setback, PSG coped well without Beraldo and took the lead eight minutes into the second half. Vitinha received the ball, made a penetrating run through Marseille's half, passed wide to Ousmane Dembele, who quickly returned the ball to Vitinha to score the opening goal. Marseille thought they had equalized shortly afterward, but Jordan Veretout's goal was disallowed for offside.
In a surprising move, coach Luis Enrique substituted Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele with 25 minutes remaining, despite their strong performances. However, this decision proved wise when, after a series of Marseille attacks repelled by Gianluigi Donnarumma, Mbappe's replacement, Goncalo Ramos, secured the victory with a superb finish on a devastating counter-attack.
The MVP
With PSG facing the daunting task of playing with only 10 men against formidable opponents, they were in desperate need of a breakthrough moment to shift the momentum in their favor. Fortunately, Vitinha stepped up to deliver exactly that for coach Luis Enrique. Demonstrating remarkable skill and speed, Vitinha embarked on an electrifying run through the heart of Marseille's defense, showcasing his ability to break through opposition lines. He then displayed excellent understanding and coordination with Dembele, effectively linking up to create a scoring opportunity before ultimately finding the back of the net himself to secure the crucial goal.
Furthermore, Vitinha showcased his defensive prowess and commitment to the team's cause by making a crucial block in the 79th minute, denying Marseille a potentially game-changing opportunity. His defensive contribution highlighted his versatility and willingness to contribute in all aspects of the game, proving instrumental in PSG's efforts to maintain their lead and secure the victory despite being a man down. Overall, Vitinha's impactful performance not only provided the much-needed breakthrough moment but also demonstrated his invaluable presence on both ends of the pitch.
The big loser
While Lucas Beraldo might perceive his red card as unjust, his foul on Aubameyang significantly added pressure on his team for the majority of the game. With Beraldo already carrying a yellow card, his decision to challenge Aubameyang, especially after the ball had been cleared, transformed the situation into a precarious one, providing Marseille with opportunities to capitalize throughout the match.
What comes nxt for PSG?
PSG aims to maintain their pursuit of a quadruple as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. First up, they face Rennes in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, where they will strive to advance in the competition and keep their hopes alive for winning multiple trophies. Following this crucial cup encounter, PSG will swiftly shift their focus back to Ligue 1 as they host
Clermont Foot at home. With just three days between these matches, PSG will need to manage their squad effectively to ensure they remain competitive in both competitions. These fixtures represent important opportunities for PSG to continue their quest for silverware on multiple fronts and demonstrate their dominance in French football.
