PSG concede at the last minute and drop points at home against Reims

PSG concede a goal at the virtual final kick of the game against Reims. The last minute goal from Balogun helped Reims walk away with a point against 10-men PSG. Neymar scored the only goal for PSG before Verratti got sent off. PSG remain at top spot with 48 points. Lens are three points behind PSG at second spot and they also dropped points on matchday 20. Galtier’s team failed to secure 3 points for second successive league game. The draw meant Reims extended their unbeaten league run to 12 games.

PSG concede from virtually last kick

PSG hosted Reims at Parc des Princes. The starting line-up of PSG had six changes from their 7-0 victory in Coupe de France fixture. The star trio of Messi, Neymar and Mbappe started together for the Parisian club. Will Still’s Reims fielded a 4-5-1 starting line-up with Balogun playing up as a lone striker. PSG were lacking creativity and Leo Messi was not at his usual best. This forced PSG to bring Verratti off from the bench at the beginning of second half. Neymar scores the first goal of the night after Messi’s shot hit Bernat and fell at Neymar’s feet. In the span of next two minutes, Marquinhos clips Balogun inside PSG’s box. The referee pointed to the spot. After VAR review the decision was overturned with the striker being offside.

Italian midfielder Verratti made a challenge on Ito during Reims build up to the penalty claim. He came under the referee’s book for the heavy challenge. Ruddy Buquet, the match referee checks the monitor and sends off the Italian deeming his challenge to be dangerous. Carlos Soler, Fabian Ruiz are taken off and Danilo Pereira, Renato Sanches replace them at midfield after Verratti’s red card. All three from PSG’s attack stay on the pitch despite the Parisians being a man short. Ramos was nearly close to doubling PSG’s lead with a header from corner kick which bounced off the turf and hit the crossbar. Hakimi also had a goal disallowed for offside. Balogun stole a point for Reims at the death with an equaliser at final kick of the play. “I don’t have the words to describe this match. We need to change our mindset,” said PSG midfielder Danilo Pereira.

Will Still and Reims – A fine of €25k

Will Still is a 30 year old manager who is half-English, half-Belgian. The Reims manager is currently the youngest to manage a top flight club in Europe. Will Still is studying for his UEFA Pro License. The license is mandatory to take charge of a Ligue 1 club and Reims will be fined €25k for each match they play under Will till the day he gets his license.