- Barcola scored first, assisted second
- Nice pulled one back, Parisians held on for narrow win
- Mbappe left out of squad after announcing PSG departure.
TELL ME MORE
Barcola opened the scoring inside 20 minutes, taking advantage of a Kephren Thuram giveaway with a fine curled finish to establish a 1-0 lead. The winger setup PSG’s second shortly after, darting to the byline and cutting back for Yoram Zague – who found the net for the first time in the senior side. But Nice stayed in it, Momo Cho’s speculative effort squirming into the net through Arnau Tenas’ hands. The Parisians held on, though, and were rather comfortable in a 2-1 win.
THE MVP
Insert the standard “who needs Mbappe” jokes all you like, but Barcola has certainly taken his chances when afforded them this season. The former Lyon man played in Mbappe’s preferred left-wing spot here, and was crucial as his team strolled to a win. He scored the first, set up the second, and was a constant threat in a markedly more fluid Parisian attack than in recent weeks. Barcola certainly won’t replace Mbappe – no one can – but he could be a dynamic presence to usher in the post-Kylian era. That wouldn’t be a bad thing whatsoever.
THE BIG LOSER
What does Randal Kolo Muani have to do to get into this PSG team? The versatile attacking player was coveted by big clubs around Europe last summer, but can’t seem to get near the Parisians’ lineup. Even in a game like this – a dead rubber contest where Luis Enrique really should be experimenting – Kolo Muani was nowhere to be found. It makes admittedly little sense. The former Frankfurt man can play anywhere across the front-line, and even in midfield if needs be. He will also likely appear for France at Euro 2024. Either way, his club manager clearly just does not rate him.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
The Parisians have admittedly little to play for in the coming weeks. They have already wrapped up Ligue 1, and celebrated Mbappe’s final game at Parc des Princes. Luis Enrique’s side can still secure a domestic double, though, when they face Lyon in the Coupe de France final on May 25.
