The city of Nantes, and more specifically the Stade de la Beaujoire, can be considered the birthplace of the ‘new’ PSG. That day—February 17, 2024—marked the first match PSG played after it was leaked that Mbappé had already signed his contract as a new Real Madrid player… and Luis Enrique decided to leave him on the bench. Now, more than a year later, PSG returns to Nantes… in search of a historic record.

The day the ‘new’ PSG was born

Since he was benched in the opening match of the 2023–2024 Ligue 1 season, where PSG couldn't get more than a draw against Toulouse, Kylian Mbappé started every game he played for PSG… except against Lille, just a few days before facing Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. However, even though the transfer hadn’t been made official yet, Luis Enrique asserted his authority and benched him during their visit to Nantes.

More than a punishment, Luis Enrique wanted to send a message to the rest of the squad, showing that from that moment on, they had to learn to live without Kylian Mbappé. In fact, PSG struggled throughout the first half that day… and didn’t break through until past the hour mark, thanks to a fortunate goal by Lucas Hernández. Later, Mbappé came off the bench and sealed the win from the penalty spot.

PSG chasing Milan’s historic record

Now, more than 12 months later, PSG returns to the Stade de la Beaujoire, confident that they’ve learned to live without Mbappé. They already secured the Ligue 1 title several matchdays ago, will play the final of the Coupe against Stade de Reims, and have once again reached the Champions League semifinals for the second consecutive season. However, PSG now aims to close the circle in Nantes by surpassing the historic unbeaten away streak set by Milan, who went 38 league matches without a loss on the road.

“It’s really important to keep this positive momentum. We have to believe that the best way to prepare for the upcoming matches is by showing this mentality and this character,” said Luis Enrique after their latest win at the Parc des Princes against Le Havre last weekend. And even though the title is already in the bag, the ‘new’ PSG never sets limits for itself.