Lens surges ahead, putting immense pressure on PSG. A vital victory is crucial for Paris to reclaim Ligue 1's summit and widen the gap.
The initial results of the 20th matchday in Ligue 1 place Paris Saint-Germain in a situation that is both good and bad, and winning at Strasbourg would be a very good idea, for at least two reasons.
Unlike the previous matchday, where the pressure applied by the win at Auxerre, 1-0, had immediately paid off, PSG will play last this weekend with a tricky trip to Strasbourg for this 20th matchday.
Its two closest competitors, Lens and OM, have already played, so Paris knows the results and the standings situation. It is very clear: Luis Enrique's team must not lose to stay in first place.
By narrowly defeating Le Havre this Friday night, 1-0, RC Lens reclaimed the Ligue 1 lead from PSG.
But with that win, Racing only has a one-point lead, and its less favorable goal difference compared to the Parisians, +18 versus +26, means that a simple draw would be enough for Luis Enrique's side to regain top spot. Of course, Paris will aim for a win, but a draw is a result to consider late in the match.
If Paris wants another good reason to aim for victory, the possibility of practically putting a definitive distance between itself and OM this Sunday night exists, just one week before facing Olympians who are on edge.
Visiting Paris FC's pitch this Saturday, OM had nevertheless reignited their engines and were leading 2-0 with less than 10 minutes to go. That was before the wake-up call goal scored by Jonathan Ikone, a pure product of PSG, and then the equalizing penalty by Kebbal, a pure product of... OM, in the 94th minute.
Two points dropped, even though the draw temporarily brings Marseille within six points of Paris.
But that six-point gap could become nine if Paris wins at Strasbourg. In a very favorable but possible scenario, the gap would even be twelve points on Sunday, February 8.
Ligue 1 Standings Before Strasbourg vs. PSG:
- Lens: 46 points (+18)
- PSG: 45 points (+26) (one game in hand)
- Marseille: 38 points (+24)
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