In a stunning upset at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain's unbeaten run in Ligue 1 came to an abrupt end as they fell to OGC Nice 3-1 on April 25, 2025. The defeat not only marked PSG's first loss of the season but also dashed their hopes of matching the long-standing record of 32 consecutive games without defeat set by Nantes in the 1994/95 season.
The match saw Nice take the lead through Morgan Sanson, who scored twice, first in the 34th minute and again just after the halftime break. Fabián Ruiz managed to equalize for PSG in the 41st minute, but the home side could not maintain their momentum. Youssouf Ndayishimiye sealed the victory for Nice with a header in the 70th minute.
PSG, who were coming off a 1-1 draw against Nantes just days earlier, fielded a strong lineup, featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Achraf Hakimi returning after being rested in the previous match. Luis Enrique's team was looking to solidify their dominance in the league, and with their eyes set on the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, they hoped to build on their impressive form.
Despite dominating possession for much of the first half, PSG struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Ousmane Dembélé, who has been a key player for the Parisians this season, was denied by a brilliant save from Nice's goalkeeper Marcin Bułka, a former PSG player. The Polish keeper was instrumental in keeping his team in the game, making several crucial saves.
Nice's opening goal came against the run of play when Sanson capitalized on a well-placed pass from Badredine Bouanani, firing a low shot past Donnarumma. However, PSG responded quickly, with Ruiz leveling the score just before halftime. Dembélé's assist was expertly converted by Ruiz, who struck a half-volley that slipped through Bułka's legs.
But the second half began disastrously for the home side. Just 22 seconds after the restart, Sanson struck again, volleying home a cross from Jonathan Clauss to put Nice back in front. The visitors continued to apply pressure, and in the 70th minute, Ndayishimiye rose above the PSG defense to head in Bouanani's free kick, extending Nice's lead to 3-1.
As the match progressed, PSG's frustration grew. Despite their efforts to push forward and regain control, they found themselves unable to penetrate a resolute Nice defense. Luis Enrique made several substitutions in an attempt to change the game's dynamic, bringing on key players like Marquinhos and Dembélé, but to no avail.
Post-match, Sanson expressed his elation at the victory, stating, "We came here with a plan and executed it perfectly. Beating the champions at their home ground is a massive boost for us as we aim for a strong finish to the season." His sentiments were echoed by Nice's manager, who praised the team's resilience and tactical discipline.
For PSG, this defeat raises questions about their focus as they head into a critical period with the Champions League semi-final on the horizon. Luis Enrique acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, "We need to learn from this match. Our focus must be on the next game, and we cannot afford to let our guard down like we did today."
With the loss, PSG remains at the top of the Ligue 1 table, but the defeat could serve as a wake-up call as they prepare for their upcoming clash with Arsenal. Meanwhile, Nice's victory propels them closer to the European qualification spots, a significant achievement considering their recent struggles.
As the league progresses, all eyes will be on how PSG responds to this unexpected setback. Will they bounce back and reclaim their dominance, or has this defeat exposed vulnerabilities that other teams can exploit? The next few weeks will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
