The start of Paris Saint-Germain’s season went from bad to worse after two straight defeats to open Ligue 1 play. But a sublime Ángel Di María touch vs Metz helped PSG secure its first victory of the new campaign in superb fashion, securing a 1-0 win late over Metz on Wednesday, despite playing the final 30 minutes a man down.
PSG, which has been struck by injuries and suspensions to its best players, opened the 2020-21 campaign with a loss to Lens after a bad mistake from the third-string goalkeeper. On Sunday, Neymar was sent off (he’s since been suspended for two matches) in a 1-0 loss to Marseille.
PSG entered Wednesday’s match in the relegation zone, without a point (or a goal) in its first two matches. It looked like PSG was headed toward another ignominious result against Metz, with Abdou Diallo shown a second yellow card in the 65th minute. Even if the call was a bit harsh, it put Thomas Tuchel’s men up against the wall, facing a third-straight defeat to start the season.
Instead, 10-man PSG buckled down defensively and Di María provided the play of the game to set up a 93rd-minute winner from Julian Draxler.
Ángel Di María Touch vs Metz
The moment of the match began innocuously enough. Marquinhos (taking over for Thiago Silva as both the center back and captain) controlled the ball with no pressure on him deep in his own half. The Brazilian then launched a ball toward Di María on a rope, a bit off target. But Di María quickly adjusted himself and plucked the ball out of the sky with such nonchalance he was probably debating what to watch on Netflix later tonight.
Filthy control by Di Maria #PSGFCM pic.twitter.com/gCbu93Cbei
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 16, 2020
The veteran Argentine then created space for a cross, which was just out of reach of compatriot Mauro Icardi. However, Metz keeper Alexandre Oukidja was forced to make a play on the ball, knocking it out near the penalty spot where Draxler was waiting to head into an empty net for the match winner.
The win skyrocketed PSG up to 15th place in Ligue 1, a mere four points off first place. The league is PSG’s to lose once again.
FINALLY! In the 93rd minute, Julian Draxler scores @PSG_English's first goal of the season and what should be the winner against @FCMetz #PSGFCM pic.twitter.com/sreYUkuV0N
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 16, 2020
