Fabian Ruiz on target as PSG complete tight win over Angers

Paris Saint-Germain made it two wins from two in Ligue 1 McDonald's this season, but again without too much sparkle, as Fabian Ruiz’s second-half strike was enough to seal a 1-0 victory over Angers SCO at the Parc des Princes on Friday evening.

Five days after their narrow opening-day win at Nantes, the European champions struggled to find their rhythm in front of their home fans. Ousmane Dembélé spurned the best chance of a frustrating first half, firing a penalty wide of the post after João Neves had been felled in the area. PSG dominated possession but managed just one shot on target before the interval.

Ruiz on target with low strike

Luis Enrique’s men finally broke the deadlock early in the second half. Ruiz, enjoying a more advanced role, reacted sharply inside the box to fire past Angevin goalkeeper Hervé Koffi (50’). The Spanish midfielder almost doubled his tally 10 minutes from time, but his powerful strike was tipped onto the post by Koffi in one of several fine saves from the visiting keeper.

Despite seeing little of the ball, Angers grew into the game and threatened sporadically on the counter. Yassin Belkhdim came closest with a curling effort that whistled just wide, while striker Lepaul was inches away from connecting with a dangerous cross. Ultimately, however, SCO lacked the precision to punish Paris’ profligacy.

The Parc des Princes rose to applaud Dembélé when he made way for Kang-in Lee in the closing stages, but the overall performance from PSG will have given Luis Enrique food for thought. Once again, his side did just enough to claim victory, repeating last weekend’s 1-0 scoreline. The evening would end with a trophy presentation of the UEFA Super Cup at the Parc des Princes - another reminder, it is a special side that have won five trophies over the past year.

MATCH reaction:

Joao Neves (PSG) - "We knew that we haven't had much time to prepare but each time we have shown enough in the matches to win them. Playing with Vitinha in midfield is incredible, it's always a pleasure to play with him, and I hope we get to stay with each other for a number of years."

Haris Belkebla (Angers) - "We all know the technical quality of a team like Paris. But it plays on the details, we didn't do enough and conceded the goal. The goal was to stay for the longest possible time in the match. Of course it's not great to lose, but we're a team that showed values even if we didn't go all the way."

THE STAT: feeling 22

PSG have scored in their last 22 games in Ligue 1 McDonald's, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 23 games from 10th March 2024 to 30th November 2024.