Paris Saint-Germain were confirmed as Ligue 1 champions on Sunday without even playing, after their closest challengers Monaco lost 3-2 away to Lyon.
Issued on:
Monaco’s defeat gave PSG an unassailable 12-point lead at the top of the table with three games remaining and means they are champions for a French record-extending 12th time.
PSG could have clinched the title on Saturday with a win at home to struggling Le Havre, but in the end they needed a 95th-minute equaliser to snatch a 3-3 draw.
However, after that game coach Luis Enrique insisted his side had won the league “without any doubt”, as they were 12 points clear with only 12 points left to play for, and also boast a far superior goal difference to that of Monaco.
The principality club’s loss in Lyon nevertheless makes PSG’s coronation official, and sets them up for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg away to Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
🏆 1986
🏆 1994
🏆 2013
🏆 2014
🏆 2015
🏆 2016
🏆 2018
🏆 2019
🏆 2020
🏆 2022
🏆 2023
🆕🏆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒#ParisiensEtChampions pic.twitter.com/UmH15VkoL6
Ben Yedder struck again to bring it back to 2-2, only for substitute Malick Fofana to net a late winner for Lyon, who are still hoping to qualify for Europe.
PSG have won 10 of their 12 titles in the last 12 seasons, a record which goes to show how the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011 has utterly transformed them and the face of French football as a whole.
They are on course for a clean sweep of trophies this season, with the French Cup final against Lyon to come on May 25 and the French Champions Trophy already in the bag.
Luis Enrique’s side are also hoping to see off Dortmund and win through to the final of the Champions League on June 1.
After Saturday’s draw, which kept the champagne on ice, Luis Enrique was unconcerned, safe in the knowledge that their superior goal difference meant their third successive league title was all but assured.
“We’re champions. I don’t care if there’s a party or not,” the coach said.
“We have a goal difference of plus 29 on the second place, I already feel like champions. Even if we don’t score any more points, we’ll be champions,” he added.
The Spaniard, who took over at PSG at the end of last season, was proven right, as they secured their 10th title in 12 seasons without having to play another game.
Elsewhere, Brest took another big step towards qualifying for the Champions League for the first time by scoring deep in injury time to beat Rennes 5-4 in an incredible game.
Former Rennes defender Lilian Brassier popped up with the decisive goal six minutes into stoppage time to decide the Brittany derby in Brest’s favour.
They had been 2-0 down inside nine minutes after Arnaud Kalimuendo netted twice for the home side at Roazhon Park, but quickly pulled one back through Steve Mounie and then equalised just after the break via a Warmed Omari own goal.
Uruguayan striker Martin Satriano put Brest in front, and Mahdi Camara made it 4-2, seemingly wrapping up the points.
However, Arthur Theate and Martin Terrier both scored to bring Rennes back level again, until Brassier struck.
The win ensures Brest end the weekend in third place, two points behind Monaco, and secure a top-six finish at the end of the season – meaning a Europa Conference League playoff spot at least.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app
© 2024 Copyright France 24 – All rights reserved. France 24 is not responsible for the content of external websites. Audience ratings certified by ACPM.ACPM
The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.
