NANTES, France (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain's pursuit of an undefeated season in Ligue 1 continued Tuesday, though Nantes secured a valuable point at home in a 1-1 draw. The result keeps PSG on track for a historic finish while offering Nantes a boost in their fight to avoid relegation.
The match, a delayed fixture from the 29th round, saw PSG take the lead in the first half through Vitinha. The midfielder found the net in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a sequence initiated by Ousmane Dembélé and Lee Kang-In.
Nantes pushed for an equalizer and found it late in the second half. Douglas Augusto scored in the 83rd minute, reacting quickly after Matthis Abline drove into the area. The strike mirrored PSG's opener, coming from a quick play near the box.
For Nantes, earning a draw against the league leaders marks a significant step toward safety. The team needs points to distance itself from the bottom teams in the standings. Manager Antoine Kombouaré emphasized the team's need for points in the lead-up to the match.
PSG extended their remarkable streak of away matches without a loss, reaching 39 games and surpassing a long-standing record held by AC Milan. This performance is part of PSG's broader goals this season, which include potentially setting several new records in French football.
The game featured tense moments, including Nantes goalkeeper Patrik Carlgren making several stops to keep his side in the match. Nantes players Jean-Charles Castelletto and Pedro Chirivella also received yellow cards in the second half. Substitute Gonçalo Ramos nearly snatched a late winner for PSG, but his header struck the crossbar in stoppage time.
Despite the draw for Nantes - Psg, the shared points hold different weight. Paris continues their quest for invincibility, a narrative that has followed them through the season, highlighted in coverage surrounding the team's goals.
Meanwhile, Nantes gains a crucial point in their bid for survival, while also impacting a historical mark. The club holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in Ligue 1 history, a 32-match streak set in 1995. Former players have reflected on the potential for PSG to break that record.
Looking at the match details, Paris Saint-Germain controlled possession for 75% of the game but managed only five shots on target compared to Nantes' two, according to match statistics. The match ultimately finished Nantes - Psg 1-1, a result that satisfies Nantes' immediate need for points more than PSG's desire for three.
"We want to play this match to win for ourselves, because we need points," Kombouaré said. "And if that can allow our Nantes record from 1995 to remain, I would be very happy."
