PSG snatch another draw at Lille

Paris Saint-Germain still haven't won this season. But they still haven't lost either. After Rennes, Paris once again had to wait until the final seconds to snatch a point at Lille (2-2), at the end of a match in which their dominance was not always synonymous with danger.

PSG quickly took control of the ball and created a few chances. Ferran Torres in particular missed a fine opportunity, while Achraf Hakimi hit the post. But Lille did not simply settle for defending: combative, aggressive and well organised, the Dogues closed down space and looked dangerous every time they won back the ball.

In the 21st minute, Hakon Haraldsson capitalised on a knock-down from Olivier Giroud to send a magnificent strike into the top corner past Matvey Safonov. Lille led 1-0.

Paris pushed after the break, but ran into a particularly dense Lille block. On every Parisian attempt, several Lille players closed down the space. PSG monopolised the ball, but lacked cutting edge in the final third.

Kvaratskhelia, brought on in the second half, still could not make enough of a difference. The Georgian took players on and tried his luck, but remained too rarely influential. Ferran Torres, too, failed to make the most of the few clear-cut chances that came his way.

And Lille ended up striking a second time. In the 85th minute, Dilane Bakwa curled a perfect shot into the top corner of the Paris goal. 2-0. PSG then seemed to be heading for their first defeat.

But Paris again refused to give in. In the 90th minute, Vitinha pulled one back with a superb strike. Then, in stoppage time, the Portuguese found Marquinhos with a perfectly weighted cross: the Paris captain equalised with a header.

2-2. Paris snatch another draw.

PSG are not ready yet

This result sums up Paris's start to the season fairly well. PSG dominate, hold the ball and at times produce interesting football, but they still lack rhythm, precision and efficiency in the key areas.

Luis Enrique did note an improvement compared to the Rennes match. But the observation remains the same: Paris are still finding their feet. The automatisms are not yet fully in place and several players are still searching for their best form.

Lille, for their part, have plenty of regrets. Davide Ancelotti acknowledged the frustration of the scenario while saying he was proud of his players' performance. For the Lille coach, this kind of match should above all serve as a learning experience: against teams of this calibre, you still need 'something more' to see it through.

And that may also be what PSG currently lack: the ability to turn their dominance into total control of the match.

But Paris already possess an important strength: they refuse to lose. Twice down 2-0 in two matchdays, twice they came back in the final minutes. Vitinha and Marquinhos once again saved the Parisians. Now it remains to turn this fighting spirit into victories.

In the stands, Carlo Ancelotti watched his son Davide manage Lille against PSG. For a long time he thought he was witnessing his son's victory, before seeing Paris snatch the draw from him in the final seconds.

A cruel scenario for Lille, but ultimately a very Parisian one.