Neymar penalty rescues point for PSG at home to Monaco
Christophe Galtier will hardly have been expecting as fast a start as in PSG’s last fixture, where they took the lead against Lille inside 10 seconds.
However, he would have been extremely worried with the early proceedings in the capital, as Monaco’s high press prevented the defending champions from feeding their incredibly gifted forward line.
On the 20 minute mark, the visitors benefitted from their bright start by taking the lead.
Aleksandr Golovin slipped through Volland, who held off the challenges of Presnel Kimpembe before slotting a perfect finish beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Neymar may have been fortunate to avoid a red card after two separate petty challenges nearly earned him an early bath.
The individual brilliance in their attack always keeps them in games though, as demonstrated when Lionel Messi found a yard on the edge of the box before rattling an effort against the post.
The ball fell to Kylian Mbappe on the rebound and with the goal at his mercy, the Frenchman somehow hit the woodwork as well from just a few yards out.
It became evident that Monaco would not be able to sustain the intensity of their press as the game progressed, with PSG probing away in search of openings.
One arrived on the hour mark, when Maghnes Akliouche’s tackle landed at the feet of Neymar from point-blank range, but the Brazilian was denied by the outstretched hand of Alexander Nubel.
The winger then won a penalty after being tripped by Guillermo Maripan inside the area.
After a deathly stare and stuttering run-up, Neymar converted from 12 yards to set up a grandstand finish.
Galtier’s men pushed on for a winner, with Achraf Hakimi the third Parisien to hit the woodwork. Mbappe’s electric pace earned him space to exploit in behind, but his powerful effort to the near post was met by another tremendous save from Nubel.
It would be frustration for the reigning champions, who regained their place at the top of Ligue 1 owing to their incredible goal difference, but were left frustrated by a very competitive Monaco side, who PSG have beaten in just one of the last five league meetings.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Benoit Badiashile (Monaco)
Check out all the stats from the stalemate in Paris with Flashscore.
