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Neymar's strike in the second-half was not enough for PSG as a late Folarin Balogun goal ensured spoils were shared.
Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun grabbed a late equaliser to help Reim draw 1-1 against the numerically disadvantaged PSG.
PSG returned to Ligue 1 action at the Parc des Princes following a dominant display over Pays Cassel in the Coupe de France. The home team looked to grab a victory after losing against Rennes in their last league game, but they matched up against a resilient Reims, who ensured the league leaders dropped points for the second league game in a row.
The game was end-to-end in its opening exchanges, with both sides creating good chances, but neither team could manage to score. The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute of the game when Neymar reacted quickest to a deflected Messi shot to finish past Yehvann Diouf in goal for Reims.
The away team were not discouraged by the goal, and they continued on the offensive as they have all game. Arsenal loanee and Reims’ top scorer Folarin Balogun thought he had won a penalty for his side in the 59th minute, but VAR ruled out the initial call from the referee after an offside was found in the build-up.
Half-time substitute Marco Verratti was brought on to wrestle control away from Reims, who Christophe Gaitier felt matched PSG more than he would have liked, handed the away team an advantage when he was sent off in the 59th minute for dangerous play.
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Balogun would get another chance to register his team on the scoreboard in the 90+5th minute, and he did not waste it, drawing his side level.
Flo Balogun steals the headlines
Messi, who has a poor game by his standards, was involved in the first goal when his deflected shot fell into the path of Neymar, who went around Diouf to finish into an open net.
PSG nearly handed Reims a way back into the game when Marquinos brought down Balogun in the box. Referee Ruddy Buquet awarded a penalty to the visitors, but closer inspection with the VAR revealed that the Arsenal loanee was offside during the build-up, and the decision was overturned.
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Reims were handed an advantage when Verratti’s studs-to-shin tackle was adjudged dangerous play after a VAR review.
The visitors ensured to capitalise, leaving it late for a dramatic finish, as Balogun found himself in space, and just like Neymar’s goal earlier in the game, he went round the charging Donarumma to steal a late point for his team.
‘it’s magical’ - Reims Manager on the equaliser
Reims manager Will Still, elated about his side’s late equaliser at the Parc des Princes, thought it was magical what his side accomplished was magical.
“It’s magical, honestly, This is why we do this job,” Will said per GFFN
“To equalise at the 96th minute at the Parc des Princes, in front of so many of your supporters - it’s magical.”
Balogun is having a magical season himself, with the Super Eagles-eligible forward’s strike today his 11th for the season.
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