On the evening of 13/5 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Paris Saint-Germain was outplayed, managing only 8 shots with 3 on target compared to Lens' 22 shots and 8 on target. However, the visitors kept a clean sheet thanks to goalkeeper Matvei Safonov's outstanding performance and secured all three points with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates the opening goal with Ousmane Dembele during PSG's 2-0 victory over Lens in round 33 of Ligue 1 in Lens, northern France, on 13/5. *Photo: AP*

The 2-0 victory propelled Paris Saint-Germain to 76 points, giving them a 9-point lead over second-placed Lens with one round remaining. This marks PSG's fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title and their 14th domestic title in club history, extending their record in French football.

Since Luis Enrique took charge in 2023, Paris Saint-Germain has secured three Ligue 1 titles. The last time they failed to win the Ligue 1 title was in the 2020-2021 season, when Lille were crowned champions.

Last season, Paris Saint-Germain swept all domestic titles: Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup, alongside their first Champions League victory. This season, Enrique's squad saw their dream of a quadruple shattered when they exited the French Cup in the round of 16. However, they have already clinched the Ligue 1 and French Super Cup titles, with the Champions League final against Arsenal scheduled for 30/5.

Enrique acknowledged that Paris Saint-Germain faced significant challenges against their direct competitor. "This was not a fair result for Lens. They deserved more. But PSG showed the character and ambition needed to win", he stated.

The Spanish coach also rated the Ligue 1 title as the most challenging of the three championships Paris Saint-Germain has secured this season. "Lens had a fantastic season. This was a big match because both teams will be in the Champions League next season. We need to enjoy this moment", Enrique noted.

Coach Luis Enrique embraces his counterpart Pierre Sage before the match. *Photo: AP*

This Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain boasted the league's best offense, scoring 73 goals from 18 players, averaging 2,22 goals per match. The Parisian club also had the league's best defense, recording 18 clean sheets and setting a record with 11 away victories.

Under Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain has pursued a youth-focused squad strategy, with the average age of the starting lineup being just 24, the lowest in the club's Ligue 1 history. Five academy players made their first-team debuts this season: David Boly, Mathis Jangeal, Pierre Mounguengue, Quentin Ndjantou, and Noah Nsoki.

Paris Saint-Germain now holds a total of 59 titles in its history, with 41 championships secured since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) acquired the club in 2011. The Parisian club has also won the Ligue 1 title 12 times in the last 15 seasons.

Hong Duy