PSG Move 10 Points Clear with Hard-Fought Win over RC Lens

Paris Saint-Germain extended their Ligue 1 lead with a 2-1 comeback win over RC Lens, thanks to Bradley Barcola's late winner.

Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over RC Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Despite being pushed to the limit, PSG demonstrated their resilience by coming from behind to preserve their unbeaten Ligue 1 streak. This win marked a repeat of their recent Coupe de France encounter, where PSG edged Lens in a penalty shootout.

Lens, missing key center-back Abdukodir Khusanov, employed disciplined defending to weather the early storm from PSG. Their tactics paid off when M'Bala Nzola capitalized on a loose ball from Goduine Koyalipou after a corner, drilling it into the bottom-right corner through Gianluigi Donnarumma's hands. Lens, unbeaten in their last 12 league matches when scoring first, had PSG chasing shadows as the teams headed into the interval.

PSG, unchanged at the break, pushed to preserve their unbeaten Ligue 1 record. However, Lens nearly doubled their lead when Nzola's brilliant solo effort found the net, only for the would-be goal to be ruled out for offside. This disallowed strike proved pivotal, as PSG capitalized moments later. Bradley Barcola cut inside from the right flank, delivering a precise pass to Fabian Ruiz, who slotted a low shot into the bottom left corner to restore parity on the hour mark.

The intensity of the match remained high, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Lens, in particular, pushed aggressively for a second goal to regain their lead. Jonathan Gradit came agonizingly close, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into his sixth save of the evening with a powerful effort from the edge of the area.

However, it was PSG who ultimately capitalized on their chances. Bradley Barcola silenced the home crowd with a decisive strike four minutes from full-time. Joao Neves' clever pass found Barcola lurking inside the area, allowing him to unleash a thunderous shot into the roof of the net, leaving Herve Koffi helpless. This goal proved to be the winner, securing a crucial victory for PSG.

⏱️ 90+4' - THAT’S A WIN! 💪✅#RCLPSG 1️⃣-2️⃣ I #Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/2OKRfH5Zxg

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 18, 2025

The win propels PSG 10 points clear of Marseille at the top of the table, although they have played one game more. Meanwhile, Lens suffers another winless outing against top-half teams, with the narrow defeat pushing them just outside the final European spot currently occupied by Lyon.