Paris Saint-Germain Avoid Major Crisis with Comeback Win Over Ajaccio in Coupe de la Ligue
Paris Saint-Germain narrowly escaped a growing crisis on Wednesday night, coming from behind to defeat Ligue 2 side Ajaccio 3-1 in the Coupe de la Ligue Round of 16. The win was essential for Laurent Blanc’s side, who were under mounting pressure after back-to-back defeats to Barcelona in the Champions League and Guingamp in Ligue 1.
Playing in front of a modest crowd at the Stade François-Coty, Ajaccio stunned the visitors by taking the lead in the 27th minute. Veteran midfielder Johan Cavalli converted a penalty, putting PSG on the brink of what would have been a humiliating exit.
The Parisians were far from convincing in the first half, struggling with rhythm and composure. But they regrouped after the break and showed greater urgency.
Edinson Cavani drew PSG level in the 55th minute with a calm finish, bringing some relief to the visiting bench. The breakthrough came late in the game: a well-placed header from Serge Aurier off a corner in the 80th minute gave PSG the lead, before Jean-Christophe Bahebeck sealed the win just four minutes later with a clinical strike.
Despite the result, the performance has done little to ease the growing concerns around Laurent Blanc’s leadership. While PSG have advanced to the quarter-finals, the pressure on the manager remains intense, with critics pointing to a lack of tactical cohesion and mental sharpness.
“It was the match not to lose,” echoed many in the French media — and PSG just about managed to avoid a full-blown crisis.
The win provides a temporary reprieve, but with tougher challenges ahead, particularly in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, the heat is far from over at the Parc des Princes.
