Substitutes lift PSG to a crucial, much‑needed Ligue 1 win

Paris Saint-Germain made no mistake on Saturday in Ligue 1. The capital side won at home in the Parc des Princes 3‑1 against Le Mans and therefore rise to fifth place, three points behind league leaders AS Monaco.

Coach Luis Enrique opts for a rotating starting XI

Former Ajax player Mika Godts started for PSG, while coach Luis Enrique clearly did not choose his strongest eleven. Desiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha began on the bench; Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes were rested.

The first half offered little spectacle. A shot from Achraf Hakimi and a free kick from Lucas Digne remained unanswered, until a handball by Harold Voyer led to a penalty. Lucas Beraldo placed the ball from eleven metres inside: 1‑0.

Mika Godts then showed himself with a fine dribble, but missed the finish. The Belgian shot miserably at goalkeeper Nicolas Kocik, who let the visitors rest with a minimal deficit.

Nuno Mendes' overuse forces PSG to spare him before Manchester City

After the break, Le Mans unexpectedly came level. A beautiful cross from Lucas Calodat was headed in by Mafouta; the initial offside decision was overturned after a VAR check.

Super-sub Khvicha Kvaratskhelia immediately made his mark by scoring from a rebound, after Nicolas Kocik had only half answered a clearance from fellow substitute Fabián Ruiz.

Ferran Torres, who did start, was substituted early. The final third goal came via Maghnes Akliouche, who convincingly finished on the instruction of Warren Zaïre‑Emery: 3‑1.

Oscar Garcia backs Mika Godts as PSG gamble seeks breakthrough

The victory underlines how PSG, despite a non‑optimal starting lineup, can rely on quality on the bench to pick up crucial points.