Paris still chasing success on four fronts
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Success in the Classique has kept Paris Saint-Germain in the running for a five-trophy season; UEFA.com's Christian Châtelet wonders how their "very busy" April might pan out.
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Coming from behind twice to win Le Classique in front of a record attendance at Olympique de Marseille's Stade Vélodrome got a "very busy" April off to an excellent start for Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc.
"It's always important to win away, especially seven games from the end of the season, against direct opponents for the title," said Blanc, whose side now sit top of Ligue 1, a point clear of Olympique Lyonnais and five ahead of third-ranked OM. "On top of that, it's Marseille – we all know how important this fixture is."
The most prestigious match in French football, Le Classique has been dominated by Paris of late; their success in the 86th edition made it a run of seven straight wins against OM. OM twice led through André-Pierre Gignac in front of a 65,148 crowd, but Blaise Matuidi and Marquinhos replied, before Jérémy Morel's own goal settled the encounter in the visitors' favour.
It was a significant morale boost given the footballing ordeal that lies ahead for Paris – the only side in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals still chasing success on four fronts. On Wednesday, they meet AS Saint-Étienne in a French Cup semi-final, while on Saturday, they take on SC Bastia in the League Cup decider at the Stade de France. The two legs of their UEFA Champions League tie against FC Barcelona follow, either side of another testing Ligue 1 trip, this time to OGC Nice.
"It's a very busy period," Blanc said. Paris could, theoretically, end the campaign with five trophies, having already got the French Super Cup in the bag. Following their round of 16 success against Chelsea FC, the capital outfit need no proof that they can take on any task.
The only thing that might undermine them at this stage is fitness. On Sunday night, David Luiz and key midfielder Thiago Motta limped off with leg injuries which are yet to be assessed. "It's the lone dark note of the night," Blanc said. "Losing two key players could cost us dear."
"It's a pity," echoed Matuidi. "We have now a couple of key cup games and I hope we can keep it up. Our team is in good shape. We'll give our utmost to win as many titles as we can."