Paris Saint-Germain maintained their impressive run of form with a 2-1 victory over Le Havre in Ligue 1, as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals.
Just days after edging Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate, PSG returned to domestic action with only Achraf Hakimi and Bradley Barcola keeping their starting spots. With the Ligue 1 title already secured, Luis Enrique had the freedom to rotate his squad — a logical move given their demanding upcoming schedule.
PSG will travel to Nantes on Tuesday for a rescheduled league fixture, followed by a home match against Nice just three days later at the Parc des Princes.
While league results may no longer be crucial, maintaining rhythm is key — and PSG did just that with goals from Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue sealing the win, despite Issa Soumare pulling one back for Le Havre.
The opener came from an impressive link-up between Barcola and Doue, with Barcola assisting the former Rennes winger, who finished confidently.
Barcola and Doue are rarely on the pitch together, as one is typically rotated alongside marquee names like Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Yet both have proven their value, and Arsenal would be wise to keep an eye on them.
On the Arsenal side, Mikel Arteta can rely on key players like a fully fit Bukayo Saka and the in-form Declan Rice. With Thomas Partey suspended after collecting a third Champions League booking against Real Madrid, Rice may be tasked with containing the elusive Dembele in the first leg.
Arsenal’s schedule is similarly packed, though they have one less game to manage. They face Ipswich Town on Sunday, then host Crystal Palace midweek — a match brought forward due to Palace’s FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa — giving them a slightly clearer run before their clash with PSG.
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