Ligue 1: PSG defeats Angers 4-2, maintaining six-point Ligue 1 lead

PSG Eyes Consistency After Convincing Win

“It's a shame we let up in the second half and conceded the two goals...”

PSG remains unbeaten in Ligue 1 after 4-2 victory at Angers. Enrique credits team's strong start, despite disruption from fan protest.

Leaders Paris Saint-Germain extended their unbeaten Ligue 1 run with a convincing 4-2 victory at promoted Angers on Saturday. Lee Kang-in and Bradley Barcola stole the show, each scoring twice in the first half to propel PSG to 29 points.

PSG swiftly rebounded from their midweek Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, maintaining their six-point cushion over second-placed Monaco, who defeated Strasbourg 3-1. The win solidified PSG's grip on the top spot.

Angers, now 15th with 10 points, clung to safety only due to their superior goal difference, narrowly avoiding the relegation zone.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 17th minute through Lee's potent far-post shot. Initially cleared by a defender, goal-line technology confirmed the score. Lee doubled his tally just three minutes later.

Barcola joined Lee on the scoresheet, netting twice to seal PSG's dominance before halftime.

Lee doubled the lead just three minutes later, expertly converting Marco Asensio's precise low cross from the left with a clinical first-time finish.

The onslaught continued as Asensio provided his second assist, setting up Barcola for a strike that mirrored Lee's earlier goal, extending the advantage to 3-0 past the half-hour mark.

On the cusp of halftime, Barcola sealed his brace with a powerful header, meeting Lee's inviting cross and sending the teams into the break with a commanding 4-0 scoreline.

PSG manager Luis Enrique reflected on his team's convincing victory, saying, “We got off to a flying start. It looked easy, but it wasn't.” Enrique acknowledged the team's impressive performance, adding, “When it looks easy, it means that what we're doing is very good."” He also highlighted the opportunity to give other players valuable game time.

The match was momentarily disrupted after halftime as fans protested against the French Football League and broadcasters over changes to the fixture schedule. Supporters expressed their discontent by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch, forcing a brief halt in play.

Following the restart, the scoring stagnated until stoppage time, when Angers substitute Esteban Lepaul unleashed a superb volley. Emmanuel Biumla added another consolation goal for the hosts in the final seconds, but it came too late to alter the outcome.

PSG forward Bradley Barcola reflected on the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of consistency. “We need to repeat that first half with the four goals,” he said, highlighting the team's impressive opening 45 minutes.

However, Barcola also acknowledged the team's dip in form after halftime. “It's a shame we let up in the second half and conceded the two goals,” he noted, stressing the need for a full 90-minute effort.

Looking ahead, PSG will aim to build on their momentum when they host Toulouse on November 22, following the international break.