A patched-up Paris Saint-Germain suffered defeat for RC Lens in their Ligue 1 opener, missing seven players through coronavirus, including Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
The French top-flight started at the end of August but after their exploits in the Champions League, Thomas Tuchel ‘s side was given extra time off.
Tuchel’s men were in action at the newly promoted Lens, less than three weeks after their defeat at Bayern Munich, and the hosts grabbed the best chance in the first half after a threatening run Ignatius Ganogo denied by the post.
Alarm bells rang and in the 57th minute the hosts broke the deadlock, with 20-year-old goalkeeper Marcin Bulka making a terrible mistake, passing straight to Ganogo who made no mistake with a cool finish this time.
With a fine save to deny Simon Banza, presenting only his second appearance Bulka helped make amends, but the damage had been done and PSG never looked like restored parity.
There was a strange sense of confidence at Stade Bollaert-Delelis before kick-off as the Ligue 1 champions rolled into the city and five thousand home supporters attended to see their newly-promoted side host the power of PSG. Lens knew without Neymar, Mbappe, Keylor Navas, Mauro Icardi, and Co they would never have a better chance to beat the Parisians.
With defeat to Nice, Lens had begun their campaign but showed no fear and little respect for the depleted PSG, fully deserving of their famous victory. It was a night to forget about Bulka, who had an opportunity to make an impression in the absence of Navas, only to cost his side dear. As Presnel Kimpembe limped out late with a knee injury things for PSG went from bad to worse.
With so many players missing due to Covid-19, if the game should have been postponed, it begs the question. PSG may well have started the campaign with a handicap, and as they prepare for a home match with fierce Marseille rivals on Sunday, it doesn’t get any easier.
Lens – PSG 1:0
Goal: Ganago 57
Lens: Leca – Gradit, Bade, Medina – Michelin, Doucure (83′ Mauricio), Perez, Sylla (84′ Boura) – Kakuta (71′ Cahuzac) – Ganago (71′ Jean), Banza (65′ Sotoca)
PSG: Bulka – Kurzawa, Kehrer, Kimpembe (74′ Diallo), Bernat (84′ Bakker) – Herrera, Gueye, Verratti – Sarabia, Kalimuendo (74′ Jese), Ruiz-Atil (68′ Dagba)Bookings: Doucoure, Sotoca – Sarabia, Bernat
