Key Takeaways:
- Bradley Barcola scored twice on Saturday as Paris Saint-Germain registered a 2-0 victory over Lens in Ligue 1
- Three PSG players – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kang-In Lee, and Lucas Beraldo – suffered injuries and were substituted, compounding the squad’s fitness concerns
- PSG are set to host Atalanta in the Champions League main phase on Wednesday before facing Marseille at the weekend
Dominant PSG Extend Perfect Ligue 1 Start
Paris Saint-Germain maintained their ideal opening to the Ligue 1 season by notching a 2-0 triumph against Lens, marking their fourth win in as many matches. The contest was highlighted by a dynamic display from Bradley Barcola, who found the net in the 15th and 51st minutes, both times set up by Vitinha.
Injuries Continue to Plague Parisians
Despite the on-field success, concerns mounted for manager Luis Enrique as the injury list grew longer. Following existing problems for Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, the match saw three further casualties: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kang-In Lee, and Lucas Beraldo all departed with fitness concerns, leaving their availability in doubt.
Victory back at home 🏡
⚽️ x2 Barcola#PSGRCL 2-0 I @Ligue1_ENG pic.twitter.com/dS9tLapjeE
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 14, 2025
Luis Enrique, who was recovering from a fractured collarbone and observed the first half from the stands, had opted to deploy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Gonçalo Ramos to replace the sidelined Dembélé and Doué. João Neves and Nuno Mendes began the derby on the bench, with the Spanish head coach keeping in regular contact with his coaching staff via a dedicated communication system.
Match Analysis and Key Moments
Lens launched the game with intent, capitalising on an early error by PSG’s Lucas Chevalier, whose misjudged handling of a back pass presented a chance to Florian Thauvin. Chevalier, however, quickly redeemed himself with a crucial save.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute: Barcola latched onto Vitinha’s pass and drove home a long-range effort beyond Robin Risser for the opener. Trouble surfaced for PSG soon after, as Kvaratskhelia – hindered after a collision with Odson Edouard – was forced off, bringing Ibrahim Mbaye into the fray, who promptly threatened the Lens goal but failed to convert. On the stroke of half time, Ramos’ inventive backheel also tested the visiting goalkeeper.
Momentum stayed with PSG after the break as Barcola doubled the advantage in the 51st minute, producing another precise strike from distance after an incisive advance. Lens responded with urgency yet Chevalier produced a vital stop from Thauvin in the 58th minute. The champions’ injury woes intensified when Kang-In Lee then signalled for substitution, quickly followed by defender Lucas Beraldo being stretchered off and acknowledged by the supporters.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Goals | Goal Scorer(s) | Assists | Notable Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2 | Barcola (15′, 51′) | Vitinha (2) | Kvaratskhelia, Kang-In Lee, Beraldo |
| Lens | 0 | – | – | – |
Looking Ahead
PSG’s demanding calendar continues as they host Atalanta in the first fixture of the Champions League main phase on Wednesday. With the injury situation uncertain for Kvaratskhelia, Lee, and Beraldo, squad depth could be seriously tested. The high-profile derby against Marseille is also on the horizon at the end of the week, adding to the club’s immediate challenges.
