Kvaratskhelia Shines on PSG Debut, but Leaders Held to 1-1 Draw by Reims

Posted : 26 January 2025

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made an impactful debut for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, assisting Ousmane Dembélé’s goal in a 1-1 draw against Reims. Dembélé continued his remarkable form by scoring his eighth goal in seven games, putting PSG ahead early in the second half. However, Japanese international Keito Nakamura equalized shortly after, securing Reims a share of the points.

Despite the draw, PSG remains unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and extends their lead at the top of the table to 10 points, although their focus appeared to be on their midweek Champions League clash.

Luis Enrique rested key players, including Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Vitinha, with their Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart looming. Kvaratskhelia, who recently joined PSG from Napoli for €70 million, replaced Bradley Barcola in the lineup and showcased glimpses of his talent.

The Georgian star created the opener by cutting in from the left, playing a one-two, and setting up Dembélé for a deflected finish. However, Nakamura’s equalizer highlighted PSG’s defensive lapses, and they failed to regain control of the match.

Kvaratskhelia, not eligible for the Champions League, earned praise from Luis Enrique, who described him as a player with unique abilities despite needing more match rhythm after a month-long absence.

The draw marked Reims’ second against PSG this season, as the Ligue 1 leaders struggled to maintain their momentum after a stunning Champions League victory over Manchester City earlier in the week. Gonçalo Ramos came close to scoring in the first half, but goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf made a crucial save, further frustrating PSG's attempts to secure all three points.

Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Monaco climbed to third place with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Rennes, while Lille suffered a 2-1 defeat at Strasbourg. Monaco’s goals came from Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Biereth, and Aleksandr Golovin, while Rennes’ struggles under Jorge Sampaoli continued with their fifth consecutive loss in 2025.

Lille’s record 21-game unbeaten streak ended in midweek against Liverpool, and they faltered again at Strasbourg, where Andrey Santos and Emanuel Emegha overturned Osame Sahraoui’s opener. As the Ligue 1 season progresses, PSG’s rivals remain in pursuit, but the Parisians retain a commanding lead despite Saturday’s slip.

Kvaratskhelia Shines on PSG Debut, but Leaders Held to 1-1 Draw by Reims

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