Paris Saint-Germain ended the season on Sunday with a victory against FC Metz. Due to a remarkable reason, the champions couldn't rely on six star players. It didn't matter, as Georges Mikautadze's team didn't play a significant role in the match.
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Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marquinhos, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruíz were not present at Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Not due to injury or suspension, but because of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. This surprising absence led to an unusual lineup for PSG, but coach Luis Enrique could still rely on the depth of his squad.
This was evident in Metz, where the champions struck twice within the first fifteen minutes. First, Carlos Soler saw a cross find the net, capitalizing on the defensive lapse from Metz. Then, Lee Kang-in doubled the score with a composed finish, showcasing PSG's attacking prowess even without their star players. Despite missing key figures, PSG remained the dominant team throughout the match, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
However, PSG did not push themselves to the limit and chose to manage the game at a comfortable pace, effectively wrapping up the last match of the season at half strength. This conservative approach was a relief for Metz, who were undoubtedly anxious about their precarious league position and the impact of other matches on their fate.
Metz's anxiety was heightened by the developments in Lorient. The club from the French port city was on fire against Clermont and had surged to a 5-0 lead by the ninetieth minute. Despite this impressive performance, it wasn't enough for Lorient to secure their place in Ligue 1. They, along with Clermont, faced direct relegation to Ligue 2 due to goal differences and other results.
For Metz, the conclusion of the regular season means they must now navigate the perilous waters of the relegation playoffs. They will face the sixteenth-placed team, Saint-Étienne, in a bid to retain their top-flight status. The playoffs will be a tense and crucial series of matches, where Metz will need to muster all their resilience and tactical acumen to avoid the drop. The team and their supporters will be keenly aware of the stakes, hoping to leverage any advantage and secure their place in Ligue 1 for the next season.
