Ferran Torres Secures PSG's First Ligue 1 win of the Season
Ferran Torres netted the only goal as Paris Saint-Germain finally broke their Ligue 1 drought with a 1-0 victory at Brest on Sunday. The reigning champions had struggled early in the season, managing just two points from three matches before this game.
After a dominant 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, PSG carried that momentum into their domestic campaign thanks to Torres, who arrived from Barcelona during the off-season. The Spaniard, fresh off scoring the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final this summer, already has six goals in five appearances across all competitions for PSG.
"What matters to me is always helping the team, regardless of how much playing time the coach decides to give me, and doing my part. Whether that’s through goals, assists, or my work on the pitch," said the 26-year-old.
The win lifted PSG to eighth place in the league, matching Brest's record. Before kickoff, Brest paid respects to former coach Eric Roy, who passed away in June due to pancreatic cancer.
Key Moments at Stade Francis-Le Ble
The decisive moment came in the fifth minute when Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele flicked a backheel pass to Torres. The striker controlled the ball just outside the penalty area and curled it into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Egil Selvik.
PSG’s attack continued with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia nearly doubling the lead in an entertaining first half. Yet, there was a setback as Morocco captain and right-back Achraf Hakimi exited the match with an injury before halftime, replaced by midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
Shortly after the break, Brest almost equalized when Kamory Doumbia’s shot hit the post following a loose pass from Nuno Mendes. Two minutes later, a potential own goal by Brest was disallowed due to a push by Warren Zaire-Emery.
Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov made a crucial save late in the match, tipping a Pathe Mboup effort wide to ensure PSG held onto their lead.
Mbappe Redeems Himself for Lille
Earlier, Ethan Mbappe made amends for his midweek Champions League red card by scoring a stoppage-time goal to secure a 2-0 win over Troyes. This victory propelled Lille to the top of the Ligue 1 table.
The younger brother of France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was sent off during a 3-2 loss to Real Betis for elbowing an opponent. Against Troyes, he came off the bench to seal the game after Portuguese full-back Tiago Santos had given the hosts an early lead.
"He came to his senses after his red card and showed maturity beyond his years; he took responsibility for his actions," said Lille coach Davide Ancelotti. "This week has been very important for him personally, helping him to grow as a player and as a person. As for his qualities, he certainly has them – he showed that again today."
Lille has collected 10 points out of 12 since Ancelotti, son of Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, took charge.
Lens Faces Domestic Struggles
Last season's surprise challengers, Lens, have found Ligue 1 tougher this year. Despite impressive Champions League form, including a 3-2 win against Slavia Prague and a French Champions Trophy victory over PSG last month, they sit 10th after four league matches, having drawn 2-2 with newly-promoted Le Mans on Sunday.
- PSG vs Brest: 1-0
- Goal scorer: Ferran Torres (5th minute)
- PSG position: 8th in Ligue 1
- Lille vs Troyes: 2-0
- Goal scorer: Ethan Mbappe (stoppage time)
- Lille position: 1st in Ligue 1
- Lens position: 10th in Ligue 1 after 4 matches
