The weeks pass, the matches follow one another, the victories too and the PSG displays a form of permanence where the seriousness disputes it more or less. We must praise the ability of Marquinhos' partners to have managed to get back in the saddle after their disappointing draw in Lyon (1-1) two weeks ago. In accounting terms, this success against Reims, after that against Brest, keeps Nice and the returning Marseille at a comfortable distance. This ability to manage domestic affairs with the assurance of a future champion is in itself an improvement compared to December, when the Parisians had piled up to 3 draws in Ligue 1.
There is better, therefore, if we focus on the results. For the rest, the site remains open. We do not know if it is the absences combined with the kickoff of Neymar – in the stands – and Messi – on the bench – that weigh, but Paris does not yet have any good in the content. Or by sequences that do not stretch enough in time to make this team totally irresistible. This formation, split in two after a quarter of an hour of play, evolved too much on a mono-rhythm in the first period to meet the most basic requirements. And the presence of Danilo Pereira and Paredes in midfield did not really speed up the pace. These two are not the only culprits, but their performance on the ball, their inability to break the lines during the first forty-five minutes was heartbreaking.
Paris finally plays with all its assets
Verratti can certainly multiply, score his tenth goal with PSG, and achieve a near-double, which passes against Reims will break against Real Madrid.
Above all, one wonders why Pochettino does not permanently install the Italian at the post of sentry to prepare for the continental deadlines.
That Verratti is an excellent runner, there is no doubt about it.
His match proved it again.
But we suspect that Paris will especially need him in a role of first raiser against the Spaniards in three weeks.
At least when Mbappé does not score - it happens to him - Paris knows he can count on the grinta and the experience of Sergio Ramos.
In a second period a little more in line with the expectations raised by Paris, the great Spaniard scored his first goal with PSG.
It is not yet the intractable Ramos of the great Real, but the Sevillian replays at an acceptable level, which was not acquired a few weeks ago.
With Messi author of thirty interesting, if not brilliant, minutes, it is above all a Paris that is filling up before the burning summit of February 15.
The only thing missing is Neymar who must resume the race this Monday so that Paris finally plays with all its assets.
The presence of the Brazilian during the shock raises all questions, but that's another story.
Match sheet
Half time: 1-0.
Referee: Mr. Wattellier.
Spectators: approximately 43,000.
Goals:
Verratti (44th), Ramos (63rd), Faes (67th csc), Pereira (76th)
Warnings.
Reims: Lopy (56th).
PSG:
Navas - Kehrer, Marquinhos (cap.), Ramos, Mendes - Paredes, Verratti (Herrera, 69th) Pereira - Di Maria (Messi, 64th), Icardi, Mbappé (Draxler, 77th).
Entr.
:
Mr. Pochettino.
Reims:
Rajkovic - Foket (Cassama, 46th), Gravillon, Faes, Abdelhamid (cap.), Busi - Ekitike, Matusiwa (Lopy, 46th), Cadjuste (Donis, 64th) Locko - Mbuku (Adeline, 58th).
Entr.
:
O.Garcia.
