PARIS, Jan 26,(V7N) – Paris Saint-Germain was held to a 1-1 draw by Reims at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, with debutant Khvicha Kvaratskhelia impressing by assisting Ousmane Dembele's goal, only for Keito Nakamura to equalize for the visitors.
Despite extending their unbeaten Ligue 1 run, PSG failed to secure a follow-up victory after their Champions League triumph over Manchester City midweek. The draw still leaves them 10 points clear at the top of the table, while Reims secured their second draw against the league leaders this season.
Kvaratskhelia Impresses on Debut
Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia, signed last week from Napoli for €70 million, made his PSG debut, filling in for the rested Bradley Barcola. Though ineligible for Champions League fixtures, Kvaratskhelia showcased his skill, assisting Dembele’s opener early in the second half.
Cutting in from the left, he exchanged passes before setting up Dembele, whose deflected strike found the net for his eighth goal in seven games.
However, Reims quickly responded as Nakamura finished a flowing move with a clinical shot, marking his eighth league goal of the season and silencing the home crowd.
With a key Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday, Luis Enrique rotated his squad, resting several first-team players, including Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Vitinha. While PSG dominated possession and created chances, they lacked the clinical edge to break Reims’ resilient defense.
Goncalo Ramos came closest in the first half, hitting the post, while Reims’ goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf produced several crucial saves.
Luis Enrique lamented the missed opportunities but expressed confidence ahead of the midweek clash. “We need to sharpen our finishing, but the team’s spirit is strong. Wednesday will be another test of our resilience,” he said.
In other Ligue 1 action, Monaco moved up to third after a thrilling 3-2 win over Rennes, while Lille suffered a 2-1 defeat at Strasbourg, ending their 21-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Goals from Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Biereth, and Aleksandr Golovin secured Monaco’s first league win in five games. Akliouche’s stunning overhead kick lit up the Stade Louis II, while Golovin and Biereth ensured victory despite late pressure from Rennes.
For Rennes, the defeat deepens their struggles under Jorge Sampaoli, who remains confident in turning their fortunes around.
At Strasbourg, Lille’s impressive form came to a halt despite Osame Sahraoui’s opener. Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos equalized, and Emanuel Emegha scored the winner for Strasbourg, who are now unbeaten in eight games.
As the Ligue 1 season heats up, PSG maintains its commanding lead, while Monaco and Lille remain in contention for Champions League spots.
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