The approach was similar – the outcome significantly more dominant: Paris Saint-Germain also rested numerous key players ahead of their Champions League duel with Bayern Munich, ultimately securing a comfortable 3-0 (2-0) victory at Angers SCO.
«This feels good,» said coach Luis Enrique. «A result like this is the best preparation for a Champions League semi-final. It’s important for the confidence of every single player, but also for the team and the fans. We are ready.»
On Tuesday (9:00 PM/Prime Video), Bayern will visit the French capital for the first leg. Vincent Kompany also made numerous changes in their league dress rehearsal on Saturday, which saw Munich trailing 0-3 at halftime against Mainz 05. It was only the stars, including Harry Kane and Michael Olise, who ultimately secured the 4-3 victory.
PSG: Concerns over Doue and Hernandez
Such drama did not unfold in Angers. Kang-In Lee (7th minute), Senny Mayulu (39th minute), and Lucas Beraldo (52nd minute) scored for the visitors, for whom Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and offensive stars Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia did not even feature. The win was never in doubt, even after Goncalo Ramos was shown a yellow-red card (74th minute) and Paris played with ten men.
However, the mood was somewhat dampened by two substitutions: Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Hernandez only played the first half. Hakimi appeared injured after a sprint but remained on the field until halftime. The same applied to Hernandez, who had repeatedly clutched his left thigh. Enrique did not comment on either of these personnel matters, but at least Hakimi was seen moving without visible discomfort to the team bus after the game.