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Analysis: PSG lift another Ligue 1 title, but pressure is on to deliver in the Champions League

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Paris Saint-Germain sealed their third consecutive Ligue 1 title, and twelfth overall, despite failing to beat Le Havre over the weekend as Lyon gave them a helping hand by defeating closest rivals Monaco. Their domestic dominance is no surprise and should be expected to continue for the foreseeable future, but this might be the best shot they get at the much-coveted UEFA Champions League considering superstar forward Kylian Mbappé’s imminent departure.

By Neel Shelat

Paris Saint-Germain have added yet another league title to their collection in Luis Enrique’s first season in charge of the club, once again proving themselves to be a class apart in France. They have sealed first spot with a double-digit points lead over the side in second place with three games left to play, ending what turned in to more of a title procession than a title race.

Given the extent of their superiority in Ligue 1, even the loss of superstar forward Kylian Mbappé does not seem likely to knock them off their perch as clear favourites for the league next season. However, their Champions League chances may well be tied to the involvement of the French captain.

Domestic Dominance

The league table – as well as their record of 20 wins, 10 draws, and just one defeat in 31 games – should provide a pretty clear picture of just how untouchable PSG have been in Ligue 1, but let us take a look at a few underlying numbers for good measure.

For one, FotMob’s rating model reflects the Parisians’ superiority, quite clearly showing them to be the best team in the division.

Unsurprisingly, they have been brilliant at both ends of the pitch. With an average of less than a goal conceded per game in the league, they have been comfortable at the back. However, their attacking numbers are the ones that really pop.

PSG’s return of 76 goals so far in 31 games is miles clear of the second-best team, who only have 58. Their underlying numbers are just as impressive, once again on a different plane to even their closest competitors.

Ex-Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique also heavily emphasises controlling matches through possession, which is why his side have the second-highest possession average across Europe’s big five leagues, at a whopping 65%. This not only provides a platform for their sustained attacking play but also contributes to their defending because the opposition cannot hurt them if they barely even see the ball.

The margin of this gap between Paris Saint-Germain’s attack and the second-best team by almost any metric is the reason why even the departure of a world-class forward like Mbappé is unlikely to slow them down in the league. Perhaps the extent of this dominance may decrease, but given the lack of serious competition, even expecting a title race in Ligue 1 next season would be very optimistic.

Reliance on Mbappé

Paris Saint-Germain’s sensational attacking numbers are, unsurprisingly, beefed up thanks in no small part to Kylian Mbappé. His tally of 26 goals in the league so far this season makes him the top scorer by a country mile, while none of his teammates have been matched even half his return, and only Gonçalo Ramos has made it to double digits in this respect.

The French international also has seven assists to his name, meaning he has played a part in about 43% of his side’s league goals this season. This is despite the fact that he has often been benched of late since news of his departure at the end of the season broke, meaning he has played less than 75% of the maximum possible minutes. So, his return looks even more impressive at 1.44 goal involvements per 90, a figure which makes him the best attacker across Europe’s big five leagues.

Although Luis Enrique has been toying with Mbappé-less systems of late, he continues to rely on the 25-year-old Frenchman in big games such as those in the UEFA Champions League. Of course, he consistently delivers on the biggest of occasions, which is why he is their top scorer in that competition as well, with four times as many goals as the man in second place.

Tactically too, Luis Enrique has regularly sought to set up his attacking structures in a manner that gets Mbappé in dangerous positions as consistently as possible. For example, when Nuno Mendes was out injured earlier on in the season and PSG did not have an out-and-out left back, midfielder Vitinha was made to go out to the left touchline in possession just so that Mbappé was free to drift inside.

Champions League Chances

Having already wrapped up the league title, Paris Saint-Germain can now afford to put all their eggs in the Champions League basket as they continue to desperately seek their first-ever title in the competition.

The extent of their domestic dominance may be great enough to ensure they continue winning league titles in France, even without Mbappé’s contribution, but the level of competition in the Champions League means that their chances of European glory will take a significant hit. No matter who they bring in, or how many attacking signings they make this summer, the individual quality of the French superstar is irreplaceable.

So, it may be a case of now or never for PSG’s realistic Champions League chances. They will certainly be favourites to beat Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final, and in such a case, they will have their chances in the final. Regardless of who they come up against between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, their opponents will have defensive issues that someone like Mbappé can certainly exploit, and Luis Enrique can be trusted to come up with a game plan to maximise his side’s opportunity.

Paris Saint-Germain must be prepared to undergo a post-Mbappé transition over the next few seasons, so the pressure is on them right now to add a continental crowning jewel to their era of domestic dominance.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every PSG game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Analysis: PSG lift another Ligue 1 title, but pressure is on to deliver in the Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain sealed their third consecutive Ligue 1 title, and twelfth overall, despite failing to beat Le Havre over the weekend as Lyon gave them a helping hand by defeating closest rivals Monaco. Their domestic dominance is no surprise and should be expected to continue for the foreseeable future, but this might be the best shot they get at the much-coveted UEFA Champions League considering superstar forward Kylian Mbappé’s imminent departure.

By Neel Shelat

Paris Saint-Germain have added yet another league title to their collection in Luis Enrique’s first season in charge of the club, once again proving themselves to be a class apart in France. They have sealed first spot with a double-digit points lead over the side in second place with three games left to play, ending what turned in to more of a title procession than a title race.

Given the extent of their superiority in Ligue 1, even the loss of superstar forward Kylian Mbappé does not seem likely to knock them off their perch as clear favourites for the league next season. However, their Champions League chances may well be tied to the involvement of the French captain.

Domestic Dominance

The league table – as well as their record of 20 wins, 10 draws, and just one defeat in 31 games – should provide a pretty clear picture of just how untouchable PSG have been in Ligue 1, but let us take a look at a few underlying numbers for good measure.

For one, FotMob’s rating model reflects the Parisians’ superiority, quite clearly showing them to be the best team in the division.

Unsurprisingly, they have been brilliant at both ends of the pitch. With an average of less than a goal conceded per game in the league, they have been comfortable at the back. However, their attacking numbers are the ones that really pop.

PSG’s return of 76 goals so far in 31 games is miles clear of the second-best team, who only have 58. Their underlying numbers are just as impressive, once again on a different plane to even their closest competitors.

Ex-Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique also heavily emphasises controlling matches through possession, which is why his side have the second-highest possession average across Europe’s big five leagues, at a whopping 65%. This not only provides a platform for their sustained attacking play but also contributes to their defending because the opposition cannot hurt them if they barely even see the ball.

The margin of this gap between Paris Saint-Germain’s attack and the second-best team by almost any metric is the reason why even the departure of a world-class forward like Mbappé is unlikely to slow them down in the league. Perhaps the extent of this dominance may decrease, but given the lack of serious competition, even expecting a title race in Ligue 1 next season would be very optimistic.

Reliance on Mbappé

Paris Saint-Germain’s sensational attacking numbers are, unsurprisingly, beefed up thanks in no small part to Kylian Mbappé. His tally of 26 goals in the league so far this season makes him the top scorer by a country mile, while none of his teammates have been matched even half his return, and only Gonçalo Ramos has made it to double digits in this respect.

The French international also has seven assists to his name, meaning he has played a part in about 43% of his side’s league goals this season. This is despite the fact that he has often been benched of late since news of his departure at the end of the season broke, meaning he has played less than 75% of the maximum possible minutes. So, his return looks even more impressive at 1.44 goal involvements per 90, a figure which makes him the best attacker across Europe’s big five leagues.

Although Luis Enrique has been toying with Mbappé-less systems of late, he continues to rely on the 25-year-old Frenchman in big games such as those in the UEFA Champions League. Of course, he consistently delivers on the biggest of occasions, which is why he is their top scorer in that competition as well, with four times as many goals as the man in second place.

Tactically too, Luis Enrique has regularly sought to set up his attacking structures in a manner that gets Mbappé in dangerous positions as consistently as possible. For example, when Nuno Mendes was out injured earlier on in the season and PSG did not have an out-and-out left back, midfielder Vitinha was made to go out to the left touchline in possession just so that Mbappé was free to drift inside.

Champions League Chances

Having already wrapped up the league title, Paris Saint-Germain can now afford to put all their eggs in the Champions League basket as they continue to desperately seek their first-ever title in the competition.

The extent of their domestic dominance may be great enough to ensure they continue winning league titles in France, even without Mbappé’s contribution, but the level of competition in the Champions League means that their chances of European glory will take a significant hit. No matter who they bring in, or how many attacking signings they make this summer, the individual quality of the French superstar is irreplaceable.

So, it may be a case of now or never for PSG’s realistic Champions League chances. They will certainly be favourites to beat Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final, and in such a case, they will have their chances in the final. Regardless of who they come up against between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, their opponents will have defensive issues that someone like Mbappé can certainly exploit, and Luis Enrique can be trusted to come up with a game plan to maximise his side’s opportunity.

Paris Saint-Germain must be prepared to undergo a post-Mbappé transition over the next few seasons, so the pressure is on them right now to add a continental crowning jewel to their era of domestic dominance.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every PSG game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.