PSG Clinch 13th Ligue 1 Title
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) celebrated their 13th Ligue 1 title on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Angers at the Parc des Princes. The win not only secured their fourth consecutive league title but also set the stage for their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal showdown against Aston Villa.
Needing just a draw to confirm their championship, PSG started the day a commanding 21 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Monaco, with seven matches left in the season. The match was decided by a goal from Desire Doue, who found the net early in the second half, capitalizing on a cross from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This victory marks a remarkable achievement for PSG, who have dominated French football since the takeover by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, winning 11 titles in the last 13 seasons.
“Our ambition is to win everything,” said PSG captain Marquinhos, who has now secured his 10th title with the club since joining in 2013. “It is a nice feeling. It is the reward for the work we have put in throughout the season, for our consistency, and the team deserves it.”
While celebrations were subdued, reflecting the routine nature of their success, head coach Luis Enrique was lifted by his staff in recognition of the achievement. The official trophy presentation will take place at a later date, as PSG shifts its focus to the crucial Champions League match against Villa, with the first leg scheduled for Wednesday.
PSG is also chasing a historic unbeaten season, currently sitting at 28 matches without a loss, boasting 23 wins and 5 draws. They aim to become the first team in Ligue 1 history to complete a campaign without losing, a feat that has only been approached by Nantes, who went undefeated through 32 matches in the 1994-95 season before suffering their only defeat.
The Parisian giants will not return to league action until April 19, when they face Le Havre at home, as their next match against Nantes has been postponed to accommodate their Champions League commitments.
Despite resting their top scorer Ousmane Dembele, who has netted 32 goals this season, and second-top scorer Bradley Barcola, PSG managed to secure the title with a performance that was not without its challenges. Early in the match, they benefitted from a missed opportunity by Angers when forward Esteban Lepaul failed to convert a clear chance after being challenged by Willian Pacho.
