Injury-ridden Paris St-Germain (PSG) climbed to the top of Ligue 1 with an exciting 3-2 victory over struggling Metz.
Goncalo Ramos and Quentin Ndjantou gave PSG a 2-0 lead before Metz’s Jessy Deminguet reduced the gap just before halftime with a brilliant shot from the penalty area’s edge.
PSG’s Desire Doue, who came off the bench, scored soon after the hour mark, but Metz’s Giorgi Tsitaishvili ignited a tense climax with a powerful goal in the 81st minute, narrowing the score to 3-2.
PSG coach Luis Enrique was unable to use Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Marquinhos due to injuries, yet young wingers Ibrahim Mbaye (17) and Ndjantou (18) demonstrated why they are so valued.
The pair worked together for PSG’s second goal as Mbaye outmaneuvered his full-back and delivered a low cross from the left that Ndjantou slid in to score his first goal in senior football.
Doue came on at half-time after recovering from a hamstring injury incurred in October and celebrated his return to league play with a clever one-on-one goal against Metz keeper Jonathan Fischer.
Mbaye’s breakaway attempt was thwarted by the crossbar, and Doue’s subsequent shot was expertly saved.
Tsitaishvili’s shot into the upper corner following a one-two with Gauthier Hein was arguably the night’s best goal, but it had little significance as PSG secured the win.
Lens will move back to the top spot in Ligue 1 if they defeat Nice on Sunday. Metz remain at the bottom of the table with 11 points after 16 games.
