CNN
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Paris Saint-Germain’s depressing season went from dangerous to worse on Sunday because the group suffered a second straight dwelling defeat with a 1-0 loss to Lyon.
Even earlier than the sport kicked off, Lionel Messi bore the brunt of the frustrations of some PSG followers who whistled when his identify appeared on the large display screen in the course of the announcement of the beginning lineup.
After Alexadre Lacazette missed a first-half penalty, Bradley Barcola’s aim 10 minutes into the second interval was sufficient to earn Lyon the three factors on an evening that PSG hardly ever appeared like threatening the visiting aim.
Lens’ 1-0 victory over Rennes and Marseille’s 1-1 draw with Montepellier means each groups are actually simply six factors behind PSG on the high of Ligue 1, and even the home title might slip from the group’s grasp.
The response of some followers on Sunday should have felt a world away from the adulation and worship Messi obtained throughout his latest return to Argentina for friendlies towards Panama and Curaçao because the nation continued its World Cup celebrations.
Messi’s arrival on the Parc des Princes was purported to be the lacking piece that might assist PSG lastly win the Champions League, the trophy the membership’s Qatari homeowners crave essentially the most.
Thus far, the one main trophy the group has gained since Messi joined was Ligue 1 final season, a title – it’s honest to say – PSG would seemingly have gained with out him.
Messi has 34 aim contributions in all competitions for PSG this season – 18 objectives and 17 assists – second solely to Mbappé’s 38 and head coach Christophe Galtier refused to put the blame for the group’s failures on the Argentine’s toes.
“I discovered it [the jeering] exhausting to hearken to,” Galtier informed reporters, per the Athletic. “There could also be expectations for Messi and Mbappe to unlock tough conditions. Messi tries very exhausting, they didn’t all work out; however round him, the opposite gamers additionally must do their jobs.”
“We will’t count on the whole lot from Leo and Kylian,” he added.
Up subsequent for PSG is a season-defining week as Galtier’s facet travels to a Good group that’s unbeaten in 13 matches, earlier than internet hosting Lens on the Parc des Princes.
PSG has misplaced two of its three matches since being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich final month, and solely limped previous relegation-threatened Brest with a ninetieth minute Kylian Mbappé winner.
After his group’s victory, Lyon head coach Laurent Blanc stated the Champions League or bust mentality has been detrimental to PSG’s performances.
“Paris’ drawback is when the No. 1 goal of the Champions League is now not accessible, it appears that evidently the season now not exists – and in any respect ranges,” he informed reporters.