PSG-OM (2-1): Icardi is no longer lost

Like many, Mauro Icardi lived a terrible year 2020. Beyond the global coronavirus pandemic, which affected him directly at the end of the summer, the Argentinian remained on several months of nightmare.

Before the Covid-19 swept the planet, the striker had gradually lost his place in attack, taken by Edinson Cavani.

During the Lisbon Final 8, even after the departure of the Uruguayan, Icardi vegetated on the sidelines… Finally, the fall was marred by various injuries, between a recalcitrant knee ligament and painful adductors.

Here we are in 2021. The coronavirus has not disappeared.

But good resolutions seem to have an effect on the Argentinian who never takes off his beret, which has become a symbol on his social networks.

Mocked for this look, he plays with it, wearing it now even when traveling with his teammates, to Lens this Wednesday evening for his first Champions Trophy with Paris.

Already very strong when he came into play against Brest (3-0) last Saturday, with a goal and an assist, Icardi continues his momentum.

It is from him that the light arrived in the cold Lensois.

Very quickly requested, the former Inter Milan striker completed an almost perfect first period.

About fifteen balls touched, five shots, three on target, a crossbar and the opening of the scoring.

Icardi first warmed his head at the far post on a corner from Di Maria (18th), the ball passing only a few centimeters from Mandanda's cage.

Icardi marks its territory

That same strong header made the difference on a new ball from Di Maria twenty minutes later.

The OM goalkeeper can only slow down the attempt, Icardi follows perfectly to score in the empty goal.

Saturday against Brest, Icardi was able to pick up the pace by playing a big half hour to replace Moise Kean, serial scorer in his absence.

Facing the Marseillais, Mauricio Pochettino could have alternated roles.

But he left Icardi, visibly confident.

This internal PSG match between the Italian and the Argentinian will punctuate the coming weeks for the position of top striker in the 4-3-3 of Pochettino.

With a start on his return from injury, as well as his first career goal in a final, Icardi marks his territory.

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The second period of the native of Rosario, the same city as Lionel Messi or Angel Di Maria, however, reminds us that we do not make up for several months without an official meeting in four days.

But he fought to the end, even annoying the gestures of Alvaro Gonzalez and going to get a penalty in front of Pelé (82nd).

The important thing was elsewhere.

"I'm waiting for my players to put me in a difficult position for my team compositions," said Pochettino this weekend.

Mission successful for Icardi.