PSG Dominates Saint-Étienne but Delays Title Celebration Again

SAINT-ÉTIENNE, France — Paris Saint-Germain defeated AS Saint-Étienne 6-1 Saturday, extending their unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 to 27 matches. However, the team missed an opportunity to secure the championship title, needing additional results from competing teams.

Despite a rocky start where the Parisians fell behind to a ninth-minute goal by Lucas Stassin, PSG rallied with a penalty goal from Gonçalo Ramos in the first half. The match, held at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, highlighted PSG’s offensive prowess but also showcased their reliance on luck for the title.

“We had to be patient and trust our abilities,” Ramos said. “After going down early, we knew we had to step up.”

In a game that began with intensity from the hosts, Stassin stunned the visiting team with a header that silenced the crowd momentarily. But PSG found their rhythm as the match progressed. Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Neves, and the young Mbaye each contributed to the scoreline in the second half, showcasing the team’s depth and talent.

The Parisians regained momentum right after halftime, with Kvaratskhelia scoring just five minutes in. He exploited a gap in the defense and placed the ball at the near post, marking the beginning of a decisive turnaround. “The goal just before halftime gave us a boost,” Kvaratskhelia stated.

Saint-Étienne demonstrated commendable effort and energy during the first half, but were ultimately overwhelmed in the second. Coach Luis Enrique‘s squad surged forward with incisive plays, capitalizing on defensive errors from the hosts. Just eight minutes after Kvaratskhelia’s goal, Doué added a third, taking advantage of a loose ball in the opponent’s half.

The onslaught continued as Neves netted the fourth goal in the 62nd minute, and Doué struck again shortly after to make it 5-1. Mbaye concluded the scoring with a close-range effort in injury time, finalizing the rout.

“We fought hard, but ultimately our mistakes cost us dearly,” said Stassin, reflecting on the goalkeeper errors and defensive breakdowns. “We need to learn from this.”

With this victory, PSG maintains a 21-point lead atop the Ligue 1 standings, but the title remains unconfirmed as it depends on the outcome of other matches this weekend. They will have another opportunity to clinch the title next Saturday against Angers.

PSG is well aware that the championship cannot be secured without facing the pressure of competition. A result in their favor next week will seal their fate in this season’s title race, regardless of the outcome in other matches.