Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) extended their lead in Ligue 1 to eight points after a 3-0 win against rivals Marseille on Sunday, thanks to the duo of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe scored a brace, both goals assisted by Messi, who scored the third goal. The absence of Neymar due to an injury did not stop PSG from securing the victory. They now have 60 points from 25 games. Marseille is in second place with 52 points.
Mbappe’s two goals moved him to 200 goals for PSG, tying him with Edinson Cavani as the club’s joint record scorer. Messi’s goal marked his 700th at club level between his time at Barcelona and PSG. PSG defender Sergio Ramos credited the team’s intensity and aggression for their success in the match.
In contrast, Marseille coach Igor Tudor defended his side’s high-risk approach despite the loss. “Why should we have changed our way of playing? It has been working well this season,” he said. “Mbappe’s presence didn’t change anything. His presence made it more difficult for us to play our game, but we were not going to change it.”
Monaco suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Nice, with Terem Moffi scoring a double and Khephren Thuram adding another goal. This loss pushed Monaco to third place with 50 points, ahead of fourth-placed Lens on goals scored. Lens drew 1-1 at Montpellier on Saturday.
PSG’s victory came after being knocked out of the French Cup by Marseille earlier this month. The team ended their three-game losing streak by beating Lille last weekend and remained focused throughout the match against Marseille. However, PSG also suffered an early injury blow when Presnel Kimpembe left the pitch on a stretcher due to an Achilles issue.
Marseille pressed high and hard in the early minutes, but PSG exposed their defense and punished them in the 25th minute when Messi played Mbappe through, who scored with a low shot. Mbappe then assisted Messi four minutes later, who tapped in from point-blank range to double PSG’s advantage. Messi then missed a sitter, while Mbappe’s attempt was denied by Pau Lopez. Marquinhos also had an angled shot that went just wide.
In the second half, Messi beautifully lifted the ball into Mbappe’s path, and he volleyed home with his left foot for his 16th goal of the season in Ligue 1. Gianluigi Donnarumma made a spectacular save from Nuno Tavares’ header in the 67th minute to ensure PSG’s clean sheet.
PSG will play Nantes at home before traveling to Bayern Munich for their Champions League last-16 return leg, after losing the first encounter 1-0 at the Parc des Princes.
Also read about Marseille vs PSG: Marseille vs PSG: All highlights from the game
