PSG secured a victory on the road at Metz after a spectacular and long-uncertain match (2-3). Dominant in possession and efficient going forward, the Parisians made the difference thanks to their individual quality, despite a spirited second-half reaction from Metz.
Paris started strongly with overwhelming possession and logically opened the scoring around the half-hour mark. From a well-worked corner, Lee delivered the ball onto Ramos’ head, who netted his fourth Ligue 1 goal of the season (31st minute).
PSG doubled their lead shortly after: Mbaye burst down the left flank and delivered a perfect cross for Ndjantou, who scored his first Ligue 1 goal (39th). Metz responded before the break through Deminguet, whose superb strike from the edge of the box completely reignited the contest at half-time (1-2).
After the break, PSG increased the pressure. Doué, introduced at half-time, changed the tempo and proved decisive. After several chances and a strong spell from Metz, he scored PSG’s third goal, finishing calmly from Mbaye’s pass in a one-on-one situation (63rd).
Metz refuse to give up
Metz refused to give up and pulled back once again: the lively Tsitaishvili scored a superb right-footed goal after combining with Hein (81st), completing his brace. The final minutes were tense, but Paris held firm despite five minutes of added time and several dangerous Metz situations.
An important win for PSG, confirming their collective control and the rise of several young players, even if some defensive fragility appeared during moments of relaxation.
PSG player ratings
Safonov: 6 – Rarely tested in the first half, decisive during Metz’s strong periods, especially on long-range shots.
Zabarnyi: 6 – Solid in duels, several key blocks.
Pacho: 5.5 – Sometimes troubled by Metz’s forward runs but generally reliable.
Hernandez: 6 – Good positioning and clean interventions inside the box.
Lee: 6.5 – Very active, provided the assist for Ramos’ goal and was valuable on set pieces.
Zaïre-Emery: 6 – Huge work rate, booked but still influential in ball recovery.
Ruiz: 5 – Quiet performance, substituted at half-time.
Doué: 7 – Decisive impact off the bench, a goal, energy and dynamism, clearly a turning point in the match.
Mbaye: 7 – Two assists, very dangerous down his flank despite some wastefulness late on.
Ndjantou: 6.5 – An important first goal, plenty of movement and commitment.
Ramos: 7 – Opened the scoring, constant threat to the Metz defense, valuable off the ball.
Kvara: 5.5 – Came on, showed a few accelerations but little end product.
Barcola: 5.5 – Added pace, had a clear chance but lacked accuracy.
Beraldo: not rated – Came on in added time.
