Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of becoming the first side to complete an unbeaten Ligue 1 season came crashing down as Nice triumphed 3-1 at the Parc des Princes on Friday. The defeat not only ended PSG's impressive unbeaten run but also marked their first league loss since May 12, 2024, against Toulouse.
Despite having already secured the Ligue 1 title earlier this month, PSG fielded a strong side in a bid to maintain their invincible record. The home side dominated the opening half-hour, creating numerous chances, yet it was the visitors who struck first. Morgan Sanson, marking his first start of the season, netted the opening goal in the 35th minute with a clinical finish after receiving a through-ball from Badredine Bouanani.
However, the lead was short-lived. Just six minutes later, PSG's Fabian Ruiz leveled the score with a stunning half-volley, igniting hopes of a comeback for the home fans. Yet, any optimism was extinguished almost immediately after the restart. Just 22 seconds into the second half, Sanson volleyed in his second goal, restoring Nice's lead.
As the game progressed, Nice capitalized on their opportunities, with Youssouf Ndayishimiye heading home Bouanani's free-kick in the 70th minute, securing a 3-1 advantage for the visitors. Despite enjoying 75% of possession and creating double the number of goal-scoring opportunities, PSG was unable to convert their chances, largely due to the outstanding performance of Nice's goalkeeper, Marcin Bulka.
Bulka was a standout performer, making an impressive 12 saves, a single-game record for a Nice goalkeeper in Ligue 1 since data collection began in the 2006-07 season. His reflex saves, particularly in the dying moments of the game, denied Goncalo Ramos and Vitinha, both of whom were left frustrated by Bulka's heroics.
PSG's coach Luis Enrique remained composed following the defeat, acknowledging the performance of Nice's defense. He stated, "We attacked in many different ways; they defended incredibly well. We would love to play the same kind of match against Arsenal and have 30 chances, but we have to congratulate Nice and we will do our best to support each other,” during his post-match interview with DAZN.
The defeat leaves PSG at the top of the Ligue 1 standings with 78 points, while Nice’s victory lifts them to fourth place with 54 points. This result is significant for Nice as they aim for Champions League qualification next season, now just a point behind second-placed Marseille and level on points with third-placed Monaco.
As PSG looks ahead to their Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, they will need to quickly regroup and address their defensive frailties, which were glaringly evident in this match. The Parisians are now guaranteed to set their lowest total of clean sheets in a Ligue 1 season during the Qatar Sports Investments era, with only seven clean sheets so far this season and three games remaining.
In the match itself, PSG's dominance in possession did not translate into effective goal-scoring opportunities. Despite the home side's attacking prowess, they struggled with finishing, a stark contrast to Nice's clinical approach. The visitors scored three goals from their only three shots on target, highlighting a stark difference in efficiency.
As the match drew to a close, PSG continued to push for a comeback, but Nice's defense held firm, blocking several attempts and maintaining their composure under pressure. The visitors executed their game plan effectively, absorbing PSG's attacking waves and countering with precision.
With the clock ticking past 90 minutes and seven minutes added for stoppages, PSG's frustration was palpable. They had opportunities to reduce the deficit but were thwarted time and again by Bulka, who celebrated each save with fervor, further igniting the visiting fans' spirits.
As the final whistle blew, PSG's players were left to ponder what went wrong. The loss not only halted their unbeaten streak but also served as a wake-up call as they prepare for a crucial Champions League fixture. With their invincible dreams dashed, the focus now shifts to bouncing back against Arsenal and reclaiming their form ahead of the final league matches of the season.
In conclusion, the match served as a reminder of the unpredictability of football. Nice's victory not only ended PSG's unbeaten run but also injected fresh hope into their Champions League ambitions. As both teams look ahead, the stakes remain high, with PSG aiming to recover quickly and Nice looking to build on this momentum.
