Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-2 victory over Lyon at Groupama Stadium, snapping the hosts’ seven-match unbeaten home run. The win sees Luis Enrique’s side move 13 points clear in the title race.
After a seven-goal rout of Brest in the Champions League, PSG struggled to find their rhythm early in this match, despite dominating possession.
Their first real chance came when Ousmane Dembélé beat Lyon’s offside trap and rounded goalkeeper Lucas Perri, only for Clinton Mata’s last-ditch clearance to deny him. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also threatened, but his shot from inside the box was off target.
The first half ended goalless, marking the first time in 12 matches that PSG failed to score before halftime. Lyon, under Paulo Fonseca, had scored 10 times in their last three games but failed to trouble PSG’s defense in the opening period.
The visitors broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half in controversial fashion. Lyon’s appeals for a penalty after Nuno Mendes’ challenge on Ernest Nuamah were waved away, and the Parisians took advantage. Bradley Barcola’s precise cross found Achraf Hakimi, who drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
Moments later, PSG doubled their lead. Dembélé, Ligue 1’s leading scorer, produced a stunning solo goal, curling a shot into the top corner after dribbling past Lyon defenders.
Lyon struggled for creativity until the introduction of Georges Mikautadze, who made an instant impact. He set up Rayan Cherki to cut the deficit, giving the home side a glimmer of hope. However, PSG responded swiftly, as Hakimi finished off a well-worked team move with another precise strike.
In stoppage time, Corentin Tolisso’s header from an Ainsley Maitland-Niles cross made it 3-2, but there was no time for a dramatic equalizer. PSG held firm to secure an important win, maintaining their firm grip on the Ligue 1 summit.
Lyon remains in sixth place, seven points off the final Champions League qualification spot. Upcoming fixtures against Brest and Nice will be crucial in determining their European ambitions.
