Champion of France 2023 for a week, PSG concluded its painful season with a 7th defeat in Ligue 1 when Clermont (2-3) came to the Parc des Princes on Saturday. Kylian Mbappé offers his 5th title of top scorer in the championship.
The last meeting of PSG this season, with the arrival of Clermont at the Parc des Princes, has been particularly special. Before the match, the public and the players warmly supported Sergio Rico, the Spanish goalkeeper hospitalized in Seville for a week (in serious condition). At the same time, the name of Lionel Messi was booed, before the very last meeting of “La Pulga” with the Red and Blue.
The last entry on the lawn of the Parc des Princes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos with the PSG jersey… flocked “Sergio Rico” 👏#PSGCF63 pic.twitter.com/Vbs4ZfeYwv
— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) June 3, 2023
On the ground, the formation of Christophe Galtier, assured of the title since last week, recorded its 7th defeat of the season, after yet another poor collective performance (2-3). PSG however led 2-0, thanks to a header from Sergio Ramos (16th) and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe (21st). The tricolor prodigy secured his 5th consecutive title of top scorer in the hexagonal championship (equaling Jean-Pierre Papin).
Verratti and Donnarumma at fault
Everything then went wrong for the Parisians. Marco Verratti literally offered a goal to Johan Gastien by trying to give the ball to Gianluigi Donnarumma (24th). Then the Italian goalkeeper released a ball in front of him for the equalizer signed Mehdi Zeffane (45th + 1). In the second half, Grejohn Kyei (63rd) took advantage of the opposing defensive apathy to give the advantage to Clermont Foot, who finished 8th.
Out of respect for Sergio Rico, the Parisian players did not do too much at the final whistle. The trophy presentation ceremony was maintained, but not the fireworks originally scheduled. This PSG 2022-2023 was not good collectively, the presence of Messi did not help, the injury of Neymar either. This team becomes the first French champion to concede 40 goals in a season (since OL in 2002-2003).