If a semblance of suspense remained in the race for the French league title ahead of Sunday evening’s fixtures, Paris Saint-Germain were not about to let it linger. After beating Stade Brestois 1-0 in their final home game of the season, goalscorer Désiré Doué and his teammates have all but secured a historic 14th title for Les Rouge et Bleu.
With a six-point lead and a more than favourable goal difference (+15) over RC Lens, their nearest challengers, whom they face on Wednesday evening, with two games remaining in Ligue 1, PSG, according to their manager, can no longer be caught at the top of the table.
“I think we needed those three points. I reckon we’re 99.9% certain to be champions,” said Luis Enrique at the post-match press conference. “This allows us to prepare for the two league matches in the best possible conditions and be in top form for the Champions League final on 30th May.”
Luis Enrique pays tribute to Lens
Whilst the midweek trip to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis may therefore seem somewhat inconsequential for the Parisians, Enrique did not forget to acknowledge the work done by Lens this season.
“We have to give credit to Lens; they’ve been in incredible form this season, and it’s been tough for us,” the Spanish manager acknowledged. “The last two league titles were much more straightforward.”
By way of comparison, last season PSG needed only 28 matchdays and a 1-0 win over SCO Angers (already registered by Doué) to be officially crowned French champions. Should they lose to Lens on Wednesday, they would have to wait until the final matchday – a derby against Paris FC scheduled for Sunday evening – to finally lift their coveted trophy.
