Paris Saint-Germain have once again claimed the Ligue 1 title, defeating Lens in a decisive clash. This marks their fifth consecutive triumph and the third under Luis Enrique.
PSG continue to reign supreme in French football. The Parisian giants, a powerhouse in both European and global football, clinched their 14th Ligue 1 title on Wednesday. Luis Enrique’s side sealed the championship with a commanding 2-0 victory over their closest rivals, Lens, ensuring they remain uncatchable with one game left in the season. Goals from ‘Kvara’ and Mbaye secured the win and confirmed PSG as champions.
The Parc des Princes outfit faced stiff competition throughout the campaign. Lens, known as ‘Les Sang et Or’, emerged as fierce challengers in the title race. Few anticipated Pierre Sage’s team would push PSG so hard, even leading the standings at times. However, they ultimately couldn’t match PSG’s relentless form in the closing stages. Since reclaiming the top spot on matchday 23, PSG have been nearly flawless, recording eight wins and one draw.
Under Luis Enrique’s stewardship, PSG have led the table in 24 of the 34 rounds played so far. With one match remaining against Lens, the result is now academic. The team can shift their focus to the upcoming Champions League final against Arsenal, where they aim to secure back-to-back European titles.
It has been a dominant Ligue 1 campaign for ‘Les Rouge et Bleu’, who have amassed 76 points from 24 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, scoring 72 goals while conceding just 27. This marks their fifth consecutive league title and the third for Luis Enrique, who becomes the first non-French manager to achieve this milestone. The only blemish on their domestic season was an early exit from the Coupe de France, where they were eliminated in the round of 32 by local rivals Paris FC.
Key figures
PSG’s triumph bears the distinct mark of Luis Enrique Martinez. The Spanish tactician, renowned for his possession-based philosophy, has once again captivated the Parisian faithful. In goal, the battle between Chevalier and Safonov was a talking point, with Safonov ultimately securing the starting role, though it remains a position of relative weakness.
A rock-solid defence has been the foundation of PSG’s success, featuring Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, and Nuno Mendes, alongside Zabarnyi and the two Lucas – Hernandez and Beraldo. In midfield, Vitinha has been the heartbeat of the team. The Portuguese maestro, Ligue 1’s top assist provider, is among the world’s elite midfielders, dictating PSG’s possession game. He has been ably supported by Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, Zaire-Emery, and Mayulu, with rising star Dro Fernandez, formerly of Barcelona, also making an impact.
In attack, Luis Enrique boasts an arsenal of match-winners. Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, and Bradley Barcola lead the scoring charts with 10 goals apiece. The ‘Mosquito’ has flourished under Enrique’s guidance, as has Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian playmaker has contributed 8 goals and 4 assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances. Meanwhile, Desire Doue and Goncalo Ramos have added their flair and finishing touch. Together, these five players account for 40 of PSG’s 72 goals, underscoring their dominance in French football.