Ligue 1: Struggling PSG Triumphs Over Lyon to Claim First Place
PSG Seizes Late Victory Against Lyon to Reclaim Ligue 1 Lead
Last-Minute Win for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched a dramatic victory in the dying moments of their match against Lyon, securing a 3-2 win and regaining the top position in the Ligue 1 standings. This marks the second consecutive week that they have triumphed with a last-minute goal, following their previous win over Nice.
Match Highlights
The contest saw Lyon respond resiliently, equalizing twice after falling behind. A stunning goal by Ainsley Maitland-Niles early in the second half seemed to set the stage for a draw, but a tense finish altered the outcome, especially after Nicolás Tagliafico received a red card later in the game.
Injury Challenges
PSG’s midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich not only dealt them a blow in points but also contributed to further injuries in manager Luis Enrique’s squad. Key players Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes were all unable to participate, joining Désiré Doué on the sidelines.
Game Dynamics
The match began positively for the visitors, who took the lead in the 26th minute when Vitinha assisted Warren Zaïre-Emery, who struck decisively past keeper Dominik Greif. Lyon responded just four minutes later; Afonso Moreira converted a chance created by Moussa Niakhaté, leveling the score.
However, PSG quickly regained their lead, with Vitinha again instrumental in the build-up. He set up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who finished with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, despite Lyon’s complaints over an alleged foul earlier in the play.
Key Moments
Lyon’s Tagliafico came close to scoring before halftime but hit the post. The equalizer arrived five minutes into the second half as Maitland-Niles executed a perfectly timed volley over PSG’s keeper Chevalier from outside the box.
The game continued at a tense pace, with Lyon eventually reduced to ten men when Tagliafico received a second yellow card in stoppage time. In a thrilling conclusion, PSG capitalized on their advantage; a corner from Lee Kang-in found João Neves, who headed home the decisive goal, leading to celebrations among the PSG squad and their supporters.
Standings Implications
This crucial win allows PSG to maintain a two-point lead over Marseille in the league, while Lyon now finds themselves seven points behind in seventh place.