Lorient vs. PSG

The first real opening of this match was nicely constructed by the visiting side, who picked their way neatly through the home defense before Stephane Sessegnon’s shot was well handled by home stopper Fabien Audard.

But Lorient’s response was good, Kevin Gameiro striking positively at goal after Marama Vahirua’s initial free kick had simply been hammered into the wall. However, Gregory Coupet grasped the ball with no real problems.

At the other end PSG still looked a menace, with Guillaume Hoarau having a shot repulsed by Audard.

As the end-to-end nature of the game continued, Sigamary Diarra danced his way into the visiting box but his finish did not match the build-up. Arnold Mvuemba would be the man to open the scoring, playing one-twos with Gameiro and Vahirua before finishing neatly beyond Coupet.

But the advantage would not last to the break, with Hoarau the benefactor of fine play from Ludovic Giuly but most notably Sessegnon, whose trickery saw him slip a couple of challenges to act as the catalyst for the leveler.

Bolstered by their goal, PSG made a quick start to the second half of the match, with Peguy Luyindula robbed of possession when he was about to strike by Sylvain Marchal. Giuly then struck a sumptuous half-volley narrowly wide.

Chances continued to come in bursts, with substitute Christophe Jallet’s long-range pile-driver superbly beaten away by Audard before Gameiro wriggled away from the capital side’s defense only to be shut down by Coupet.

The best opportunity would be the last opening of the match. Luyindula broke clear of the home defense, but his shot was saved by Audard. Giuly appeared poised to play home the rebound, but a fine block by a defender prevented the ex-Roma man from grabbing the glory for the guests.