Superb Simon help Nantes claim big result against star-studded Parisiennes

Nantes claimed a big scalp as they continued their push for continental football, and their Nigerian superstar was at the centre of it all

Super Eagles forward assisted Nantes’ first goal, as the Yellow Canaries embarrassed star-studded Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

Nantes continued their hunt for a European spot when they welcomed Ligue 1 champions PSG. The Parisiennes, off a big victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League during the week, were the favourites. Also, PSG had all their usual protagonists on duty.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s men were given an early shock, as Moses Simon located Kolo Muani, who was lurking in the box, and the French forward fired home to put Nantes in front just after four minutes.

Before PSG could recover, Nantes increased their lead to two goals, as Quentin Merlin poached the Yellow Canaries’ second of the game in the 16th minute.

Even with Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe on the pitch, the Parisiennes had five shots on target in the first half, but Nantes keeper Alban Lafont was up to the task, producing vital saves.

PSG’s woes were further compounded just before halftime, as Ludovic Blas scored Nantes third to give the Europe hopefuls a comfortable three-goal lead at halftime.

Nonetheless, PSG started the second half like a house on fire, and within just two minutes into the half, Neymar pulled one back.

Nantes could have restored the three-goal margin seconds later, but Kolo Muani failed to connect properly to a cross from Simon.

PSG could have scored their second of the game in the 60th minute and reduced the deficit, but Lafont saved Neymar’s spot-kick and preserved his side’s two-goal lead.

Simon was superb for Nantes on the night. Asides from his assist, he had a 74 per cent pass accuracy, four key passes, and three duels.

The Super Eagles star was taken off in stoppage time after an excellent show. The victory takes Nantes to 5th on the Ligue 1 log, the Europa Conference League playoff spot.