PARIS: Paris St-Germain kicked off their title defence with a 0-0 draw at home to Lorient on Saturday as coach Luis Enrique handed debuts to six players.

Goncalo Ramos started in a new-look attack with Marco Asensio and Lee Kang-in while Milan Skriniar and Lucas Hernandez began in defence as Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte lined up in midfield.

Ousmane Dembele, who completed his transfer from Barcelona earlier in the day, started from the bench.

Ramos, who has joined on an initial loan deal from Benfica, nearly grabbed his first PSG goal inside 10 minutes when his bending effort was superbly clawed away by Yvon Mvogo.

Lorient captain Laurent Abergel hit the outside of the post from distance after pinching the ball deep in PSG’s half, but both sides struggled to create clear chances.

PSG controlled possession but lacked penetration until Fabian Ruiz forced another fine stop from Mvogo after latching onto Carlos Soler’s cut-back.

Ramos then glanced a header wide and Vitinha shot narrowly over as PSG had to settle for a point.

Earlier, Olympique de Marseille came from behind to beat Reims 2-1 at the Velodrome as Portuguese striker Vitinha struck the winner. Japan international Junya Ito volle­yed Reims ahead early but Morocco midfielder Azze­dine Ounahi curled in a brilliant equaliser from 25 yards.

Vitinha, signed from Braga in January, also had an effort disallowed but scrambled home with just over 15 minutes left as Marseille bounced back from their midweek defeat in the Champions League.

“It’s a step forward compared to Panathinaikos,” said Marseille coach Marcelino, who watched his side lose 1-0 in Greece in his first game in charge.

They must overturn that deficit on Tuesday in order to stay in the hunt for a place in the Champions League group stage.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2023