Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) officially started their Ligue 1 title defense with a close win with a score of 1-0, against Nantes on Sunday. In the game between PSG vs Nantes, PSG looked clueless from the very beginning of the game, but somehow was able to score a goal, all thanks to Vitinha, who scored a goal off the defender in the 67th minute of the game.
The 2025/26 campaign of PSG seems to be a struggling one, as they are currently without the goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is looking for a new club during the current transfer window.
Match Recap: PSG vs Nantes
Following the fresh victory at Luis Enrique’s Champions League in a penalty shootout against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, PSG yet again registered their first win in the Ligue 1 2025/26. During the first title defense match between PSG vs Nantes on Sunday, PSG narrowly won by a 1-0 goal, that too in the 67th minute of the game.
The Portugal midfielder’s shot in the 67th minute luckily deflected off Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem, going across the wrong-footed goalkeeper, Anthony Lopes. PSG was able to control the game during the entire match but was struggling to convert several chances into goals.
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Coming off a Champions League Super Cup win over Tottenham, PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, had decided to make seven changes in the lineup.
PSG had notable absences, including Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who started from the bench, but on the other hand, PSG’s new signing, Illia Zabarnyi, made his debut for PSG following a £57 million transfer from Bournemouth.
Despite controlling the entire match, PSG were not limited to only four shots on target and an expected goal of 1.33. Meanwhile, Vitinha stood out as an incredible player as he recorded the most touches (133) and most passes (122), with a winning goal.
Reaction On Social Media
Despite the close win in PSG vs Nantes in the first Ligue 1 title defense match, fans and well-wishers took to social media platforms, sharing their thoughts and opinions regarding the close game. Most of the football fans were pointing at the lucky goal of Vitinha, which helped PSG win the game.
One of the fans commented on the post posted by PSG on their official Instagram handle. He wrote, “The champion of Europe wins with a lucky goal against Nantes 😂😂😂.”
While some fans were impressed with the debut of Illia Zabarnyi as they wrote expressing, “Zaba had a good debut-calm and composed, as if he’s been playing for PSG for years! This is a very good sign-his calmness and composure on the field show excellent adaptation 🇺🇦 ”
Meanwhile, another user praised the performance of Vitinha and wrote, “Nantes playing in 6-4-0 🤣🤣🤣. I really enjoyed Beraldo’s match. Zabranyi is very solid for his first time at PSG 🔥🔥🔥. And Vitinha confirms that he is the best midfielder in the world 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Anyway, thank you, Paris 🙌🔥❤️💙.”
The other similar comments are as follows:
On the other hand, PSG’s victory over Nantes has helped them to extend their unbeaten start to the domestic season and has continued their impressive record against Nantes.
Similarly, PSG, who only returned to training 11 days ago due to their run to the FIFA Club World Cup final, are expected to return to the Parc des Princes on Friday when they host Angers, who beat Paris FC 1-0 in their opening game.
Amit Mishra’s Take on PSG’s Narrow Win Over Nantes
As a football fan, I was not impressed with the gameplay and performance of PSG against Nantes in the Ligue 1 title defense match. Despite having top players in their squad, they decided to bench them and went with a lineup that was not well-experienced. But considering their squad against Nantes, the narrow win is still a win for them, and they will be looking forward to winning more games in the league.
If that lucky goal was not scored by Vitinha, then the game might end in a draw, or Nantes could score later in the game. So, I think PSG might have learned the lesson from this game as well.
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FAQs
- Who scored PSG’s winning goal against Nantes?
Vitinha scored the only goal of the match in the 67th minute, with the shot deflecting off Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem. - Why was PSG’s lineup changed for the Nantes game?
Coach Luis Enrique made seven changes after the Champions League Super Cup, resting key players like Dembélé, Doue, and Kvaratskhelia. - How did new signing Illia Zabarnyi perform in his debut?
Zabarnyi had a composed and confident debut, showing excellent adaptation to PSG’s style of play. - How did PSG perform in terms of shots and expected goals?
PSG had four shots on target with an expected goal (xG) of 1.33, struggling to convert several scoring opportunities. - When is PSG’s next Ligue 1 match?
PSG will host Angers at the Parc des Princes on Friday, following Nantes’ opening defeat of Paris FC.
