PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain has not been afforded a weekend off this time in between the two legs of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, but they could instead take a big step towards clinching yet another Ligue 1 title.
Luis Enrique’s side may have preferred to focus on their trip to Germany next Wednesday, when they will defend a 5-4 lead from Tuesday’s first-leg, which was arguably the best game in Champions League history.
“It was an incredible game. I have never experienced a match of that intensity as a coach,” said Luis Enrique, who will now take his side back to the Allianz Arena, scene of their triumph over Inter Milan in last season’s final.
However, they must first deal with a home league fixture against mid-table Lorient, when the coach is likely to make numerous changes to his line-up even though the right combination of results on Saturday could effectively end the title race.
PSG are top, six points clear of challengers Lens with four games to play, one of which will be a clash between the two title rivals on May 13.
That meeting with Lens was controversially postponed in early April to give PSG time off in between the two legs of their quarterfinal against Liverpool. They were also given the weekend off in the middle of their last-16 tie against Chelsea.
The Parisians also have a goal difference advantage over Lens of 15, meaning two wins from their last four matches will probably suffice even if Lens win all four remaining fixtures.
A fifth straight Ligue 1 crown, and a 12th in 14 years, will be all but in the bag on Saturday should PSG defeat Lorient and Lens then lose away to Nice.
The Qatar-backed club suffered a blow late on at home to Bayern as right-back Achraf Hakimi suffered a thigh injury which will rule him out for potentially several weeks.
Back-up goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is also injured, while striker Goncalo Ramos is suspended against Lorient after being sent off in last weekend’s 3-0 victory at Angers.
The likes of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and skipper Marquinhos will all likely be rested against Lorient, the Brittany side who have enjoyed a fine season since winning promotion.
Lorient, who held PSG at home earlier this season, are owned by American businessman Bill Foley. He also owns Premier League Bournemouth and NHL side Vegas Golden Knights.
Lens will hope to keep the title race alive for at least another week, while behind them Lyon and Lille are in pole position to take the final two qualifying spots from Ligue 1 for next season’s Champions League.
Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldohas not featured for his country since October and appears to have little chance of making Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup.
That is unless he can continue to impress for PSG as a stand-in holding midfielder, as he has to great effect in recent domestic matches.
The 22-year-old has made just one brief appearance off the bench in this season’s Champions League, but he has started 14 times in Ligue 1, including playing in midfield in the last four outings.
He was superb last weekend against Angers, setting up one goal before scoring another. Beraldo is likely to feature against Lorient on Saturday.
