Paris Saint-Germain had 68% possession and 24 shots (7 on target) compared to Clermont Foot’s 32% possession and 4 shots (2 on target). PSG had 664 passes with an 88% pass accuracy, while Clermont had 281 passes with a 72% pass accuracy. PSG also won 19 aerial duels compared to Clermont’s 12, and had 15 corners compared to Clermont’s 2.
Overall, Luis Enrique’s decision to rotate his squad and rest key players ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona was a risky move that almost backfired as PSG struggled to a 1-1 draw against bottom club Clermont Foot. The team he fielded, despite being full of internationals, lacked cohesion and struggled to break down a resilient Clermont side. A late equaliser from Goncalo Ramos salvaged a point for PSG, but they needed a dramatic improvement in performance in the second half to avoid defeat.
Johan Gastien was the standout player for Clermont Foot, providing solid defensive support and reading the play superbly throughout the match. PSG’s player ratings were mixed, with Achraf Hakimi earning an 8 after hitting the bar and providing an attacking threat. Despite their dominance in possession and shots, PSG were unable to capitalize on their chances and were left frustrated by Clermont’s resolute defending.
The match highlights showed PSG’s struggles to break down Clermont, with Habib Keita giving the visitors a surprise lead in the first half. Senny Mayulu had a goal disallowed for PSG, while Hakimi and Ramos both hit the bar in the second half. Ramos eventually scored the equaliser in the 86th minute, set up by Kylian Mbappe, who had started the match on the bench. The draw means that PSG need nine points from their remaining six matches to secure their 10th Ligue 1 title in 12 seasons.
Enrique’s decision to rest his stars will be judged based on PSG’s performance in the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona. While a draw against Clermont is not disastrous in the context of their domestic dominance, it raises questions about their momentum heading into a crucial European tie. Whether Enrique’s rotation strategy pays off in the long run will depend on PSG’s results in the Champions League, with the pressure now on them to deliver a strong performance against their former manager’s team.
