Barcola scores and assists as PSG struggles past Lens with Man City next in crunch match

Brilliance of Barcola and saves by Donnarumma secure PSG's 2-1 win at Lens in Ligue 1.

Bradley Barcola's brilliance combined with Gianluigi Donnarumma's decisive saves helped Paris Saint-Germain win at Lens 2-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday (January 19, 2025).

The win extended PSG's lead in the standings to 10 points but did little to mask the defensive frailties of Luis Enrique's team ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City next week.

PSG remained unbeaten in Ligue 1 but suffered a lot in front of the buoyant crowd at Stade Bollaert. Lens played boldly and had many chances. Lens finally cracked in the 86th minute when Barcola, who previously delivered the assist that led to Fabian Ruiz's equalizer, scored the winner.

PSG has conceded four goals in its past three matches, including a pair midweek against an amateur side in the French Cup.

With two matches left in the Champions League, PSG sits in 25th place, meaning it could miss out on the knockout stage. The hosts defended well early on to withstand PSG's attacks and grew into the game to take the lead from a corner.

Przemysław Frankowski kicked the ball into the box for Vitinha to head it toward the far post where the unmarked M’Bala Nzola was waiting. The Angolan forward beat Donnarumma with a precise low shot from close range.

Nzola thought he had a second in the 57th after a fast counterattack only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.