PLAYER RATINGS | Nantes 1-1 PSG: subpar Parisiens maintain their Ligue 1 invincibility | OneFootball

McDonald’s Ligue 1, Round 29, 22/04/25

Paris Saint-Germain were far from their free-flowing best as they had to settle for just a point against FC Nantes (1-1). It is a point that aids Les Canaris’ bid to avoid relegation, whilst PSG maintain their invincibility in Ligue 1.

The Match

This fixture was initially meant to be played in between PSG’s two UEFA Champions League fixtures against Aston Villa, however, it was moved in order to aid Les Parisiens’ preparation. There were protests against the decision in the stands and the lengthy messages unfurled in the stands at the Beaujoire were a large part of the spectacle in the first half; there wasn’t much going on on the pitch in any case.

PSG, as they always do, dominated possession and by the half-hour mark had had 80% of the ball. But they didn’t do anything with it. Ousmane Dembélé’s harmless effort was their only shot on target to tell for their efforts in that time. However, the French champions, out of nothing, took the lead.

Vitinha, who pulled the strings in midfield all night, got on the end of a Lee Kang-in flick in the box and finished emphatically on the half volley. PSG would have gone in two goals to the good had Patrik Carlgren not saved brilliantly from João Neves’ half volley at the far post.

There was hope going into the break for Nantes, who were compact and limited Les Parisiens’ chances. The visitors were then on the back foot for parts of the second-half; at the very least, it was Nantes who procured the better chances. Gianluigi Donnarumma saved excellentlly from Jean-Charles Castelletto with the centre-back popping up unexpectedly in a goal-scoring position in open-play and seeing his goal-bound effort saved by the fingertips of the Italian.

Vitinha then forced a simple save from Carlgren but the Nantes goalkeeper had more to do to deny substitute Bradley Barcola, who was bearing down on goal. Standing in for the injured Anthony Lopes, Carlgren did well to smother the Frenchman’s effort.

Nantes then got the goal that their efforts arguably deserved in the 83rd minute. It was Matthis Abline, a thorn in PSG’s side throughout, who made the defence-splitting run, teeing up Douglas Augusto who rifled his shot past Donnarumma. Gonçalo Ramos almost got a late-winner but saw his stoppage-time header cannon off the bar.

The point leaves both sides happy. PSG’s interest in the league is to simply remain unbeaten in order to complete a historic invincible season, never before seen in France. For Nantes, it is a point that puts them four points above Le Havre AC, who occupy the relegation play-off spot.

PSG player ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7

Donnarumma has hit a purple patch. Against a Nantes side that do not press, his footwork was never likely to be tested. However, his shot-stopping was pivotal. His save from Castelletto was excellent and rightly celebrated like a goal. He was perfectly positioned and poised to make the finger-tip save and retain PSG’s advantage.

Nuno Mendes – 5

Lucas Beraldo – 6

Marquinhos – 5

João Neves – 6

Fabián Ruiz – 4

Vitinha – 7

Warren Zaïre-Emery – 3

Moved around the pitch, filling in at right-back and at times at left-back, Zaïre-Emery, looking to rediscover his best form, was placed back in the midfield, but he was the least efficient of the trio. It was Vitinha who dictated the tempo and Zaïre-Emery didn’t bring a lot to the table either in or out of possession. He notably lost his duel for Castelletto’s big chance, lacking the necessary intensity and awareness of the danger.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 4

A very muted performance made all the more apparent by Barcola’s eye-catching entrance. The France international brought a lot more energy and was much more incisive than the man he replaced on the night.

Ousmane Dembélé – 4

Dembélé’s goal-scoring form has begun to drop off; the rate at which he was scoring was unsustainable, and this was the first Ligue 1 game in which he started without scoring since 22nd November. More generally, his decision-making and end product were found lacking on the night, notably in a two-on-one situation, which he wasted, despite having Lee in support.

Lee Kang-in – 4

Nantes selected player ratings

Matthis Abline – 8

More than a willing runner, he also has the strength to hold the ball and the intelligence and awareness to bring his teammates into play. He provided one of the moments of technical brilliance early in the first half, chipping the ball over his marker before fluffing his finish, but he persisted all night, despite limited involvement at times, and got the assist on the goal thanks to his defence-splitting run. Bigger clubs should be looking at him over the summer. Rennes’ decision to let him go last season already looks like a poor one.

Patrik Carlgren – 7

Brought in for the injured Anthony Lopes, he stepped up, making two big saves that proved crucial come the final whistle.

Nathan Zézé – 7

Kelvin Amian – 6

GFFN | Luke Entwistle