PSG 1-0 Nice: Gonçalo Ramos wins it late for Paris

It was another frustrating game for Luis Enrique’s PSG side, as almost they slumped to a fourth draw in five league games, unable to break down a solid league defence in what is becoming a concerning trend for the Catalan coach. However, the 94th minute winner from Ramos will be a huge source of confidence and sees the home side extend their lead at the top of the table.

PSG Lineup: Chevalier, Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes, Zaire-Emery (Dembélé, 73), Vitinha, Neves (Ruiz, 65), Barcola (Lee, 65), Mayulu (Ramos, 72), Kvaratskhelia.

Nice Lineup: Diouf, Mendy, Bah, Peprah Oppong, Abdi, Boudaoui, Louchet (Sub: Abdel Samed, 84), Bard, Sanson (Vanhoutte, 71), Gouveia, J.

Gonçalo Ramos' late strike snatched dramatic win for PSG

PSG were initially unable to break down Nice in what proved a frustrating first half. The Parisians played fine football at times, with Vitinha in particular speeding things up in midfield, and yet didn’t have the cutting edge to break down a resolute Nice defence.

Their first chances came from range, as Bradley Barcola attempted a curling shot that was comfortably caught by the outstretched Yehvann Dioud. Kvaratskhelia then showed off some scintillating footwork before cutting in from the right and firing a shot that was blocked by Nice defenders.

The first big opportunity of the game fell the way of Nice, as the visitors had a header blocked off the line after a corner on 29 minutes. PSG did eventually regain control of the game, with Mendes finding Hakimi with an inspired cross, and the Moroccan having a powerful strike blocked by the Nice shotstopper (although Hakimi was later adjudged to have been offside). Seconds later, the home side nearly scored again, with Bradley Barcola seeing his scuffed effort saved after a huge mix-up among the Nice backline. This flurry of opportunities woke up the Parisian crowd, and Nice will have been happy to get to the break at 0-0 after PSG’s late onslaught.

Barcola, who once again had a difficult game, stretched the Nice defence early in the second half and laid a cut back on a plate for Senny Maylu, who couldn’t keep his shot down. PSG again started the second half in control of the game, Neves also going close with a long range effort that fizzed past the post, but were incapable of breaking down a strong nice defence.

Luis Enrique tried to revitalise his side by making changes, with Kang In Lee and Fabian Ruiz entering the fray, and the former almost made an instant impact, seeing a fierce strike saved by Diouf. The Parisians continued to push as Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos were also introduced, with Ramos almost scoring after a cut back, but also failing to keep his shot down.

The breakthrough eventually came as Lee’s corner was flicked on by Kvaratskhelia, and Ramos then powered the ball home from close range. The roar of the Parc des Princes was almost one of relief rather than of celebration, but it was another example of Ramos being useful off the bench.

Overall, it was a sobering game for the Parisians, who will however be delighted to pick up the three points without having ever truly been at their best. They proved dominant in most aspects of the match but mostly failed to invent anything that truly tested the Nice backline, and will hope to be more clinical in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.