PSG secured a 1-0 win over Nantes in their Ligue 1 opener, with Vitinha’s deflected strike proving decisive in the second half.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) began their Ligue 1 title defense with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
The winning goal was scored by Vitinha, whose shot deflected off Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem and beat goalkeeper Anthony Lopes in the 67th minute. The goal came after Ousmane Dembele played a corner short to Nuno Mendes, who then squared the pass to Vitinha.
PSG coach Luis Enrique made seven changes to his starting lineup following the UEFA Super Cup win against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the changes, PSG dominated possession, controlling 71-72% of the ball, but Nantes’ organized defense limited them to just four shots on target.
Nantes put up a resilient performance but ultimately couldn’t match PSG’s quality. Goncalo Ramos had a goal disallowed for offside late in the game, and Bradley Barcola clipped a shot just wide, but it was too little, too late for the hosts.
The victory marked a successful start to the season for PSG, who have now scored against Nantes in 29 consecutive Ligue 1 meetings, dating back to 2006. Illia Zabarnyi, PSG’s new signing from Bournemouth, played 90 minutes on his debut, while Lucas Chevalier started in goal, having taken over from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG’s next match will be against Angers at the Parc des Princes on Friday, August 22. The team will look to build on their momentum and secure another win.
In other Ligue 1 matches, Olivier Giroud scored his first goal for Lille in a 3-3 draw against Brest.
