Paris Saint-Germain began their 2025–26 Ligue 1 season with a narrow but important 1–0 victory away to Nantes. The champions did not produce their most attacking performance, but they showed control, patience, and the ability to grind out a result. Vitinha’s deflected strike in the 67th minute proved to be the difference as PSG started their title defence with all three points.
Vitinha’s Strike Secures the First Win of the Season
The match remained tight for over an hour, with Nantes defending deep and PSG searching for a breakthrough. The decisive moment came when Vitinha collected the ball outside the box and unleashed a strike.
The shot took a deflection off a Nantes defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net. While the goal carried some luck, Vitinha deserved the reward for his energy and hard work throughout the match.Vitinha did far more than score. He dominated the midfield by dictating play, controlling the tempo, and constantly pressing Nantes players.
He had more than 130 touches, completed over 120 passes, and won back possession ten times. His performance showed why he has become a central figure in Luis Enrique’s team.
Luis Enrique’s Tactical Approach and PSG’s Control
Coach Luis Enrique set up his team to dominate possession, and PSG executed the plan well. For long periods, PSG held over 80 percent of the ball. They moved the ball patiently across the pitch, trying to stretch Nantes’ compact defence.
However, they lacked sharpness in the final third, which left the match closer than it should have been. Nantes defended with discipline, often placing seven players behind the ball to close every gap. PSG had to remain patient, and eventually their persistence paid off.
Gonçalo Ramos Denied by VAR
After Vitinha’s opener, PSG believed they had secured a second goal when striker Gonçalo Ramos scored from close range. The celebrations were cut short when the video assistant referee ruled the goal out for offside. This moment underlined the fine margins of the game. Although Ramos did not get on the scoresheet, his constant movement kept the Nantes defence busy and created openings for his teammates.
Although Nantes lost, they deserved credit for their effort. They stayed organised, worked hard defensively, and made PSG struggle to find space. The goalkeeper and backline blocked several dangerous shots and frustrated PSG’s attackers. Their disciplined approach kept them in the game until the final whistle. While they did not manage to create many scoring chances of their own, their defensive performance will give them confidence for future matches.
A Positive Start to PSG’s Title Defence
For PSG, this result was more about three points than entertainment. The match came only days after their Super Cup victory over Tottenham, meaning the players were not at their sharpest. Even so, the team showed resilience and focus, which are key qualities in a long season. Vitinha’s goal extended PSG’s impressive record of scoring against Nantes in 29 consecutive league matches.
The performance may not have been dazzling, but the win sets the right tone for the season ahead. PSG now have momentum, and they will look to improve their attacking sharpness as the campaign continues.
Paris Saint-Germain’s 1–0 victory over Nantes was a lesson in patience, control, and determination. The defending champions dominated possession, stayed organised, and took advantage of the one chance that mattered most. Vitinha stood out not just for his decisive goal but also for his commanding midfield display.
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