Paris Saint-Germain kicked off the defense of their Ligue 1 crown with a narrow but convincing 1-0 win over Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Coming just days after their UEFA Super Cup triumph, the game tested the squad’s depth, as Luis Enrique opted for heavy rotation following a shortened preseason.

Vitinha Leads PSG to Victory

The standout performer was Vitinha, who once again proved to be the driving force in Luis Enrique’s midfield. The Portuguese international scored the only goal of the match with a strike from outside the box that deflected off a defender before beating goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. His goal finally broke down a resilient Nantes defense that held firm until the 70th minute.

Luis Enrique’s Tactical Rotations

The Spanish coach surprised many by leaving several key players on the bench, including Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembélé. The debut of Ukrainian center-back Ilya Zabarnyi, recently signed from Bournemouth, was another notable change. However, the introduction of PSG’s stars in the second half shifted the momentum decisively, giving the champions full control.

Nantes Holds Firm Before PSG Dominates

Luis Castro’s side impressed early on, creating dangerous chances through Tylel Tati, including a shot off the post before halftime. PSG, meanwhile, saw Gonçalo Ramos denied by the crossbar. In the second half, Ramos had a goal ruled out for offside, while Kvaratskhelia’s pace opened up the game and secured the three points for the visitors.

What This Win Means for PSG

Beyond the result, the match highlighted the depth and stability of Paris Saint-Germain, even when rotating key players. The victory also extended an impressive run: PSG have now gone 41 straight Ligue 1 away games with just one defeat. With this win in Nantes, the reigning champions reaffirm their status as heavy favorites to retain their French crown.