Paris Saint-Germain outclassed in-form Lyon on Sunday, successful 3-1 to increase their lead on the prime of the Ligue 1 desk to seven factors.
Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring on the Parc des Princes and Vitinha added a penalty as PSG raced right into a two-goal lead in what was anticipated to be one of many greatest checks of their credentials domestically this season.
Georges Mikautadze pulled one again for Lyon earlier than the break however they by no means actually appeared like equalising and substitute Goncalo Ramos wrapped up the factors for PSG late on.
The sport was additionally notable for a quick stoppage in play within the second half on account of derogatory songs being sung by the PSG assist, with dwelling captain Achraf Hakimi having to go throughout and plead with the group to cease.
PSG might face disciplinary motion because of the chants which have already been heard at earlier video games this season on the Parc des Princes, however in any other case it was a satisfying night time for Luis Enrique’s workforce.
The win for Paris comes after nearest challengers Marseille and Monaco had been each held to attracts on Saturday, placing them in a fair stronger place to go on and retain their title.
PSG now head to Monaco on Wednesday in a rearranged fixture which is able to give them the possibility to complete 2024 with a 10-point benefit over their nearest rivals.
“We had been up towards an excellent Lyon workforce on a superb run but it surely was crucial for us to benefit from the truth that the groups instantly behind us did not win this weekend,” stated Luis Enrique.
The coach didn’t even identify striker Randal Kolo Muani among the many substitutes, whereas he additionally left prime scorer Bradley Barcola out of the beginning line-up.
Centre-forward Ramos was additionally dropped regardless of discovering the online within the midweek win at Salzburg within the Champions League.
Need Doue additionally scored in that match after coming off the bench and the 19-year-old did begin right here, making a big impact as he performed a component in each targets scored by PSG within the opening quarter hour.
He produced a devastating activate the left wing to get away from Ainsley Maitland-Niles earlier than advancing to the byline and chopping the ball again for Dembele to brush dwelling.
That made it 1-0 inside eight minutes, and Doue was then introduced down within the field by Corentin Tolisso, permitting Vitinha to roll in a penalty for 2-0.
“Need is a really younger participant who brings us rather a lot, and the actual fact all our gamers have a lot room for enchancment is what’s going to permit us to develop,” Luis Enrique stated.
Lyon, who had been unbeaten in 9 in all competitions, pulled one again late within the first half when Rayan Cherki discovered Mikautadze within the field and the Georgian striker transformed the possibility.
But PSG comfortably held onto their lead and Ramos made it 3-1 two minutes from time, ending after goalkeeper Lucas Perri had parried a Barcola shot.
– Brest full effective week –
Earlier, Champions League shock package deal Brest adopted their newest well-known European win in midweek by hammering Nantes 4-1.
First-half targets by Kamory Doumbia and captain Brendan Chardonnet set Brest on their means in Brittany, and Abdallah Sima added a late brace after Douglas Augusto had pulled a purpose again for Nantes.
It was a much-needed victory for Brest, who had misplaced 4 of their earlier 5 in Ligue 1 however are up into mid-table, six factors away from the underside three.
In the meantime, a 1-0 dwelling win over PSV Eindhoven in midweek was, remarkably, their fourth victory in six in Europe — they’re at present on the right track to qualify straight for the Champions League final 16.
Eric Roy’s workforce had been again of their Stade Francis-Le Ble dwelling on Sunday, with Brest internet hosting Champions League matches in close by Guingamp as a result of their very own stadium doesn’t meet UEFA necessities.
Backside membership Montpellier got here from behind twice to attract 2-2 with Good, whereas Le Havre — additionally within the relegation zone — misplaced 3-0 to Strasbourg.
Jorge Sampaoli’s struggling Rennes defeated Angers 2-0.
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