PLAYER RATINGS | Lens 0-2 PSG: Kylian Mbappé seals win as leaders go 8 points clear

The Stade Bollaert has often proved a difficult trip for PSG in recent seasons – defeat at Lens’ home ground on New Year’s Day 2023 notably set the tone for a tight run-in last season. This time round, a resurgent Artois outfit were keen to claim a statement result against the league leaders once again. 

The hosts’ characteristically high pressing paid off within minutes of kick-off, and led to a foray into the box that saw Elye Wahi clumsily brought down by Danilo Pereira. Although Frankowski saw his ensuing penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, it was an early reminder of the issues that Lens’ all-action approach has posed to the champions in their encounters over the last few seasons.

The majority of clear-cut chances in the early exchanges would come for the Sang et Or on the counter. Wahi was again at the centre of action when he unleashed a shot from the edge of the box, after fending off Marquinhos again, which was kept out of the top corner by Donnarumma’s fingertips.

It was a counter from the visitors that would see the first breakthrough, though. After winning the ball back from a hesitant Pereira da Costa, Danilo would find Mbappé in space – the captain then threaded it through for the onrushing Barcola, who dinked his finish from an angle past Samba for the opener.  

The former Lyon man would be decisive again on the stroke of half-time, weaving past the Sang et Or defence before being brought down on the edge of the box by Jonathan Gradit. As the last defender, the right-sided centre-back was duly sent off.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Lens were still keeping themselves in the game deep into the second half.  A hesitant approach from PSG – who were mostly limited to playing around the box – saw the