Paris Saint-Germain Vs. Lorient, 2012 Ligue 1: Final Score 2-2 As Ibrahimovic Dominates, No One Helps Him

Paris Saint-Germain will probably win the Ligue 1 title in 2012-13, but their all-star team isn’t off to a terrific start. They played a very poor first half against Lorient, going down by two goals, and needed a stunning individual performance by Zlatan Ibrahimovic to claw back a point in a 2-2 draw at home.

Things got off to an abysmal start for PSG when Maxwell directed the ball into his own net, putting Lorient up 1-0 in the 4th minute on an own goal. The hosts were on top for much of the first half, but struggled to create clear chances, and even saw another Lorient goal narrowly disallowed for offside. The home fans were preparing to boo PSG off the pitch at halftime even before the second goal, scored by Jeremie Aliadiere on a great counter-attack, assisted by Lucas Mareque. The PSG players head it from their fans as they walked into the tunnel down two goals.

Ibrahimovic was PSG’s most effective player in the first half, but he upped his game considerably in the second half and was clearly the best player on the pitch for either team. He set up Lavezzi with a great first touch and ball to the back post in the 50th minute, but Lavezzi put his shot right into the stomach of Fabien Audard. In the 54th minute, he nearly put in a cross by Lavezzi with a great bit of skill, but hit the post.

It took until the 64th minute for PSG to score, but Ibrahimovic finally found the breakthrough with a brilliant finish from close range. Things calmed down for a bit, but the home side started going for broke with around 10 minutes remaining in the match. They created multiple chances, but didn’t equalize until Gregory Bourillon brought down substitute Blaise Matuidi in the box. A penalty was granted and the red card was shown to Bourillon. Ibrahimovic stepped up and converted, saving PSG from total embarrassment in their first game of the season.