PLAYER RATINGS | Lyon 2-3 PSG: João Neves strikes late to send champions top of Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 12, 09/11/25

Lyon host PSG to conclude Ligue 1’s MD 12 with many key players missing out tonight’s showpiece. The hosts were without midfield controller Corentin Tolisso and electric winger Malick Fofana. Paulo Fonseca opted to field veteran winger Rachid Ghezzal as a false nine. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique had to do without his prime choices for full-backs as Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi sustained injuries during PSG’s home Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué were also out of action.

Fortunately, Luis Enrique could rely on his tried-and-trusted midfielders João Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. The trio helped PSG establish an early foothold in Lyon’s half. Les Gones were wasting possession too easily up front as the likes of Khalis Merah and Rachid Ghezzal were nullified.

PSG got their lead with Vitinha brilliantly bypassing Lyon’s low block with a precise through-ball towards Warren Zaïre-Emery. The makeshift right-back made no mistake from close range. Lyon wasted no time to restore parity in giving PSG a taste of their own medicine. Like Vitinha did with Zaïre-Emery, Moussa Niakhaté sends Afonso Moreira clear on goal with a long ball. The Sporting CP Lisbon won his duel against Lucas Chevalier with a low finish.

Vitinha would hurt Lyon again. At the edge of Lyon’s box, Tanner Tessmann tried to shield the ball away from the Portuguese, who stuck a leg out to lend Khvicha Kvaratskhelia a golden chance to give PSG their lead back. The unmarked Georgian did so, although Lyon could feel hard done by, given Vitinha did not hold back on the USMNT midfielder.

Nicolas Tagliafico went close to equalise but his effort only rattled Chevalier’s left post. Half-time beckoned and it feels as though PSG were there for the taking, but Lyon’s attacking players had a rough night, Ghezzal in particular.

Lyon would eventually make the most of PSG’s high line early into the second half, thanks to their English contingent. Tyler Morton found Ainsley Maitland-Niles deep into PSG’s half. The former Arsenal man pipped Chevalier way off his line and brilliantly chipped him on the volley! A goal that will surely raise some eye-brows regarding the France international goalkeeper’s form.

PSG dusted themselves off and Greif was alert to keep Kang-in Lee’s dipping effort out. The visitors continued to circulate the ball with ease, but they lacked end product. The substitutes’ introductions further slowed down the tempo of the game. 

In injury-time, Nicolas Tagliafico was shown a second yellow card for contact on Vitinha – a rather harsh decision – which puts Lyon further on the back foot. And when Lee Kang-in swerved in a last-minute corner kick, there was nobody to mark João Neves. Like Gonçalo Ramos did against Nice a week ago, the Portugal international headed home the winner at the death.

Les Parisiens will go into the November international as Ligue 1 leaders with a two-point lead over Lens and Marseille.

PSG player ratings

Lucas Chevalier – 3

The France international struggles to justify his €55m transfer fee and looks devoid of confidence. The manner in which he conceded from Maitland-Niles from distance is baffling. 

Warren Zaïre-Emery – 5

Illia Zabarnyi – 4

Willian Pacho – 4

Lucas Hernandez – 5

João Neves – 7

Vitinha – 7

Many key PSG performers missed out tonight, but it feels as if Vitinha turns up, PSG will too. The Portuguese midfielder was at the heart of PSG’s territorial possession and high pressing. Logged his fifth and sixth assists this season, no player in Ligue 1 has more. Left the pitch with a deserved man of the match accolade.

Fabian Ruiz – 5

Kang-in Lee – 7

Senny Mayulu – 5

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6

Selected Lyon player ratings

Moussa Niakhaté – 6

Tyler Morton – 6

Rachid Ghezzal – 2

The 33-year-old Algerian winger was given a surprise start as a false 9, and let’s just say that it was not Paulo Fonseca’s brighest calls. He was nowhere to be seen, lost countless balls and most of his duels. Hooked after the hour mark.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval