Vitinha Rejects Whitewash Talk After PSG’s Narrow Le Classique Win
Paris Saint-Germain completed the fifth round of Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win against Marseille on Sunday, claiming three points in a derby that proved considerably tighter than many had anticipated. After a difficult opening to their league season, PSG produced a committed display, although the final margin did not reflect the expectation of a more emphatic result.
Vitinha dismissed any suggestion that the narrow scoreline represented a disappointment. The 26-year-old Portugal midfielder stressed that PSG had not expected an easy afternoon against their major domestic rivals. “People may have predicted a heavy defeat for them, but we certainly did not,” he said. “It is always hard to come here.”
PSG had spells of control and created enough opportunities, in Vitinha’s view, to establish a more comfortable advantage before the closing stages. He also credited Marseille for the resistance they offered. “They are a good side and they demonstrated that,” he said. “We did what was needed to go two goals ahead, but it ended 2-1. We created many chances, so there can be no argument about the outcome. We deserved this win.”
The international break now awaits Vitinha, who is due to join Portugal for a UEFA Nations League schedule beginning against Wales on September 24. Portugal then meet Norway on September 27, face Denmark on October 1, and play Norway again on October 4.
