Godts shines at PSG despite Kvaratskhelia's injury at Ballon d’Or

Mika Godts put on a brilliant display for Paris Saint-Germain on the night of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, when he delivered his first goal and an assist after Kvicha Kvaratskhelia was unable to play due to an ACL injury. PSG secured a win against Olympique Lyon.

The Ligue 1 clash was originally scheduled for Sunday evening, but the match was moved to Monday because of large‑scale unrest in the French capital. Due to the postponement, Paris Saint‑Germain's squad missed the Ballon d’Or gala.

Postponement and Ballon d’Or night

Coach Luis Enrique had to line up PSG without Kvicha Kvaratskhelia after the Georgian winger suffered a serious ACL injury in the Champions‑League match against FC Barcelona. On the bench were Desire Doue and Machines Akliouche, who took the place of the Belgian winger.

In the first half Les Gones, the nickname of Paris Saint‑Germain, dominated play, but failed to find the net. Olympique Lyon launched a few dangerous counters, leaving the halftime score at 0‑0.

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Godts’ impact in the second half

Ten minutes after the break Luis Enrique decided to bring on Godts, replacing former Ajax left‑winger Joao Neves. The young Belgian immediately got the chance to showcase his game.

Godts received the ball on the left, delivered a precise pass to Senny Mayulu, who dribbled past Dominik Greif from the edge of the penalty area. The assist produced the evening’s first goal.

Shortly after, Godts himself launched a brilliant counter and struck into the far corner, sealing the match at 2‑0. It was his first strike since moving from Ajax to Paris Saint‑Germain; Ruben Kluivert fell a quarter of an hour before full‑time, but could not prevent the defeat.

With the win Paris Saint‑Germain take the top spot in Ligue 1 from Stade Rennes, while Olympique Lyon drop to fifth place. Next week PSG face Le Havre and Lyon host Angers.