Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) kicked off their Ligue 1 campaign in style, defeating Le Havre 4-1 in what was their first official match since Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid. The victory marked a new chapter for PSG as they adapt to life without their star player, with a blend of emerging talents and experienced substitutes playing key roles in securing the win.
The match began on a high note for PSG, as Lee Kang-in put the visitors ahead in just the third minute. Le Havre, however, showed resilience and managed to equalize through Gautier Lloris. Despite a competitive first half, it was in the final stages of the game that PSG truly asserted their dominance. Late goals from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and a Randal Kolo Muani penalty ensured that the French champions left Normandy with all three points.
Transitioning Without Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe’s exit left a significant void at PSG, raising questions about how the team would cope without their top scorer. Although the club has not made a high-profile signing to replace him, Friday’s performance indicated that PSG still possesses the depth and quality needed to compete at the highest level. Luis Enrique, overseeing his first full season as PSG manager, expressed satisfaction with the win but emphasized the need for improvement. “It’s a good beginning, but we need to refine our game,” Enrique remarked after the match.
PSG’s lineup featured several new faces, including 16-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, who was handed a debut on the left wing. Other young talents, like Yoram Zague and Warren Zaire-Emery, also started, highlighting PSG’s focus on youth development under Enrique. Additionally, Joao Neves, the recent signing from Benfica, made his debut in the second half, showcasing his potential with a solid performance.
Le Havre’s Effort and PSG’s Depth
Le Havre, returning to Ligue 1 after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, gave PSG a run for their money. They thought they had taken the lead early in the second half when Josue Casimir scored, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR for handball. The home side’s spirited performance kept the visitors on edge until PSG’s depth proved decisive in the final minutes.
Despite Le Havre’s efforts, PSG’s substitutions changed the game. Ousmane Dembele, introduced late in the second half, put PSG back in front with a well-taken header from a Neves cross. Just a minute later, Bradley Barcola doubled the lead with a curling shot, and Randal Kolo Muani, who had replaced the injured Goncalo Ramos, converted a penalty in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt.
Looking Forward
Luis Enrique praised the impact of his substitutes, noting that their fresh legs and quality made the difference in a tightly contested match. “The substitutes were crucial,” he said. “We need to work on consistency, but the way we finished the game shows the depth we have.”
For PSG, this win is a positive start to a season that will test their ability to maintain their dominance in French football without Mbappe. The team’s focus on integrating new and young players is evident, and as they gel, PSG will aim to improve further. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Enrique’s side as they look to build momentum and navigate a challenging campaign ahead.
As PSG moves forward, their performance in the post-Mbappe era will be closely watched. The win over Le Havre, while encouraging, also highlighted areas where the team needs to improve. With more tough games on the horizon, including a match against last season’s runners-up Monaco, PSG will need to stay sharp and continue adapting to life without their former star.
