PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain’s dreams of finishing the Ligue 1 season unbeaten were shattered on Friday night as they succumbed to a surprising 3-1 defeat against Nice at the Parc des Princes. The loss not only marked PSG's first defeat of the season but also ended their impressive 30-game unbeaten streak in the league.
In a match that saw PSG dominate possession, holding the ball for nearly 75% of the game, the visitors were ruthlessly efficient, scoring three goals from their only three shots on target. Morgan Sanson was the standout performer for Nice, scoring two goals, including a spectacular volley just seconds into the second half.
The evening began with Nice's breakthrough in the 34th minute. Sanson, who was making his first start of the season, found the back of the net after receiving a perfectly timed through ball from Badredine Bouanani. With Gianluigi Donnarumma rushing out to close him down, Sanson coolly slotted the ball under the PSG goalkeeper, sending the away fans into raptures.
However, the lead was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, PSG leveled the score when Fabián Ruiz capitalized on a deft pass from Ousmane Dembélé. Ruiz turned inside the box and executed a neat chip that sailed over the defenders and into the net, marking his fourth goal of the season.
As the teams headed into halftime with the score tied at 1-1, the second half started with a bang for Nice. Just 22 seconds after the restart, Sanson struck again, this time with an acrobatic scissor kick that left the PSG defense stunned. Jonathan Clauss delivered a precise cross, and Sanson’s expertly timed volley restored Nice's lead, sending shockwaves through the Parc des Princes.
Despite the setback, PSG continued to push forward in search of an equalizer. Coach Luis Enrique made several substitutions, bringing on Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos, hoping to reignite his team's attacking prowess. However, Nice's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, held firm, repelling wave after wave of PSG attacks.
The visitors extended their lead in the 70th minute when Youssouf Ndayishimiye scored with a well-placed header from a Bouanani free-kick. Unmarked in the box, Ndayishimiye rose above the PSG defenders to direct the ball into the net, sealing a memorable victory for Nice.
This result not only boosts Nice’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League but also serves as a wake-up call for PSG as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
PSG, who clinched the Ligue 1 title three weeks prior, will need to regroup quickly as they shift their focus to European competition. The defeat has raised questions about their readiness for the crucial match against Arsenal, with fans hoping this setback will ignite a renewed determination in the squad.
In the grand scheme of things, while PSG still tops the Ligue 1 standings with 78 points, the loss to Nice has ignited debates among fans and analysts alike. Can they bounce back and refocus on their Champions League ambitions after such a surprising defeat?
As for Nice, the victory propels them into fourth place, level on points with Monaco and just a point behind second-placed Marseille. This win not only provides a significant morale boost but also keeps their Champions League dreams alive as the season draws to a close.
With both teams now looking ahead, the stage is set for an exciting climax to the Ligue 1 season, especially with the Champions League semi-finals looming just around the corner. PSG’s fans are left to ponder the implications of this defeat, while Nice revels in their hard-fought victory, proving that in football, anything can happen.
