What a 100th goal! Starting on the bench, with Luis Enrique opting to play Senny Mayulu as a false nine, Gonçalo Ramos watched for much of the game as his teammates struggled to break down the Nice defense. Completely in control against a pragmatic Nice side, the capital club long believed they would, once again, share the points in Ligue 1. Whether wasteful in front of goal or thwarted by a brilliant Yehvann Diouf, Paris Saint-Germain ultimately relied on their true number 9: Gonçalo Ramos.
A spectacular entrance for his 100th
Brought on by the former Spain manager for the final quarter of an hour, the Portuguese international (22 caps, 9 goals) wasted no time making his mark. From a high ball, the 24-year-old striker headed across goal (80th minute). It went wide. Lively and always available for his teammates, the former Benfica striker was then on hand to finish off a nice team move by the Parisians, but his shot nestled into the side netting of the Nice goalkeeper's net (81st minute). No matter.
Determined to prove to his coach that he could play a growing role in the French capital, the Olhão native once again rose in the air, but his header was again thwarted by the last Nice goalkeeper (90+4'). From the ensuing corner, the 1.85m right-footer finally sent the Parc des Princes into raptures. Capitalizing on a deflection from Kvaratskhelia, the Parisian number 9 rose even higher than everyone else in the Nice defense and beat Diouf with yet another powerful header (1-0, 90+4'). A liberating goal – his second of the season in Ligue 1 – allowing PSG to consolidate their first place three days before their clash against Bayern Munich.
Ramos sends a message to Luis Enrique
Interviewed by BeIN Sports just seconds after his sensational debut, the player in question was understandably savoring the moment. "All matches are important. It's important to win them, but these league matches are difficult to play, so this is an excellent victory. It's incredible, it's a beautiful story ," the Portuguese player exclaimed before elaborating in the mixed zone. "It's a special day, a special match, I'm happy. I didn't know it was my 100th match. I found out in the last minute. It's magnificent (to score in the last minute), but the victory is the most important thing . "
Pressed further about his effectiveness off the bench, Ramos even used a touch of humor: "I come on more often than I start, maybe that's why. I didn't need a goal to boost my confidence, I want to be on the pitch to score goals ," he added. "It's very positive for Gonçalo and for the team. Playing 100 matches for Paris is important for him and we're happy about that. He did his job well during the fifteen or twenty minutes he played, and scoring that goal is important for his confidence ," noted Luis Enrique. With this decisive goal, Gonçalo Ramos – who has made six Ligue 1 starts since the beginning of the season – has, in any case, sent a strong message to his coach. It remains to be seen whether the Spanish coach of the European champions will start the Portuguese player in the clash against Bayern Munich or opt, once again, for the role of super-sub. Ramos, for his part, is ready.
0 Comments