Mika Godts made an immediate and decisive impact on his Paris Saint-Germain debut, driving a 2-0 victory over Olympique Lyonnais on Monday night. The young Belgian, introduced in the second half, provided an assist and then scored his first goal for the club, a result that sends Paris Saint-Germain to the top of Ligue 1. This win lifts the club, which had been fifth with 14 points from seven games, into first place.
Luis Enrique set his side up in a 4-3-3 formation, with João Neves in the starting lineup. A first half dominated by the Parisians, who enjoyed 68% possession, yielded no goals despite several chances. The game turned after Godts entered the fray in the 57th minute, replacing Neves. Fifteen minutes later, the newcomer played a perfectly weighted pass for Senny Mayulu, who found the net with a precise finish (72').
Godts then put the result beyond doubt himself with six minutes remaining. Found by substitute Quentin Ndjantou, the Belgian unleashed a powerful strike that gave Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif no chance (84'). "This might be the night Mika Godts definitively became a Paris Saint-Germain player," a Parisian observer suggested.
The key man
Godts's performance is timely, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia currently sidelined. The former Ajax player showed immediate intensity and efficiency, providing the attacking solution that had been lacking. Vitinha and Maghnes Akliouche received yellow cards for Paris Saint-Germain, while Ernest Nuamah was the only Lyon player booked.
The win lifts Paris Saint-Germain to first place in the standings, now with 17 points. Prior to this match, the club sat fifth with 14 points from seven games, a record of four wins, two draws and one loss. The team is now on a run of two consecutive league victories, following last week's 3-1 win against Strasbourg. The season's top scorer remains Ferran Torres with four goals in seven appearances. Paris Saint-Germain has scored 14 goals and conceded 9 this campaign.
Paris Saint-Germain now travel to the Stade Océane to face 18th-placed Le Havre on Friday, October 30. The fixture is a chance to build on this positive momentum. The Parisian club, which sits two points behind leaders Rennes, will look to build momentum after a recent league form of two wins and three losses from its last five matches.
