Paris, Feb 8: New signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored his first goal for Paris Saint-Germain when the unbeaten Ligue 1 leader routed third-placed Monaco 4-1 to go 13 points clear on Friday.
The Georgia winger joined from Napoli for a reported 70 million euros ($72 million) and with a big reputation for skill and clinical finishing. He showed a bit of both in the 54th minute, controlling a quick pass with his right foot, cutting cleverly inside Christian Mawissa and scooping the ball off balance over goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.
That made it 2-1 and, three minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé added the third goal after combining well with Désiré Doué. He tapped in from close range in the last minute following a counterattack to extend his league-leading tally to 16 goals.
PSG led in the sixth minute when Vitinha curled a free kick into the bottom right corner. But he was helped by a major positional error from Majecki, who left a huge gap.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was easily beaten at the near post when captain Denis Zakaria ran onto a smart pass from Soungoutou Magassa.
For all its attacking flair – especially the technically gifted Maghnes Akliouche – Monaco’s weaknesses were poor composure and erratic defending, and it will drop to fifth if Lille and Nice win this weekend.
Marseille will stay second regardless but must win at Angers on Sunday to remain 10 points behind PSG.
Three in a row for Brest
Imposing striker Ludovic Ajorque and midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou scored as Brest won at Nantes 2-0 to climb into seventh spot.
Nantes’ three losses in its last 11 games have all been against Brest – with the other in the French Cup.
Brest hosts PSG on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League playoff match. (AP)