Ligue 1 Roundup: PSG draws without Mbappe, Neymar; Vitinha scores Marseille’s winner

Football
Published 12.08.2023
Ligue 1 Roundup: PSG draws without Mbappe, Neymar; Vitinha scores Marseille’s winner

PARIS (AP) — Star striker Kylian Mbappé watched from the stands as Paris Saint-Germain started its title protection with a colorless 0-0 house draw in opposition to Lorient within the French league on Saturday.

Mbappé, Neymar and Marco Verratti have been all neglected by new PSG coach Luis Enrique at Parc des Princes.

Mbappé topped final season’s scoring charts with 29 league targets, however was not on the sector in opposition to Lorient as a result of he’s mired in a contract standoff. He needs to play this season and go away without spending a dime when his contract runs out, however PSG needs to promote him to cease this from taking place.

Looking pensive, Mbappé sat alongside his youthful brother Ethan as PSG struggled to interrupt down a well-organized Lorient, which hit the put up from midfielder Laurent Abergel’s shot within the forty third and went shut close to the tip by way of midfielder Romain Faivre.

Central defender Milan Skriniar, attacking midfielder Marco Asensio, and ahead Goncalo Ramos all had their PSG debuts however made little distinction.

Neymar skilled alone on Friday, with the membership saying it was as a result of he was recovering from a viral an infection. But Neymar may go away PSG this summer time. Verratti and Neymar have been linked with a transfer to the profitable Saudi Arabian league.

Earlier, Portugal ahead Vitinha scored a second-half winner as Marseille opened its marketing campaign with a 2-1 house win in opposition to Reims.

Marseille’s new coach Marcelino stored veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the bench with Marseille dealing with Panathinaikos within the return leg of a Champions League qualifier subsequent Tuesday. Marseille, which completed third within the French league final season, trails 1-0.

Marseille struggled at house final season and the match began badly at Stade Velodrome when Japan ahead Junya Ito put Reims forward within the tenth minute.

After midfielder Azzedine Ounahi equalized for Marseille halfway by way of the primary half, Ito and Vitinha each had a purpose disallowed in fast succession.

But club-record signing Vitinha did have a good time within the 73rd when he ran onto a cross from winger Ismaila Sarr and clipped the ball over goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.

SAINT-ETIENNE FANS BRAWL

Saint-Etienne’s match at Rodez within the second tier was delayed for one hour after dozens of Saint-Etienne followers appeared to brawl amongst themselves. Television photos confirmed two rival Ultras teams preventing within the away part.

Saint-Etienne is considered one of France’s most storied golf equipment and has received 10 league titles, one lower than record-holder PSG. But Les Verts have been relegated on the finish of the 2021-22 season.

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