Ligue 1
Paris, Jan 5: Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain stayed one point behind surprise Ligue 1 leader Lens after beating Paris FC 2-1 in the first capital city derby in French men’s league soccer since 1990.
Star forwards Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembéle struck for PSG.
Inconsistent Marseille is now eight points behind Lens in third place after losing 2-0 at home to Nantes earlier Sunday.
The Paris derby was held at PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, which is just 44 meters away from where PFC plays its home games at Stade Jean Bouin since moving there this season.
PSG wasted a couple of good scoring positions with overly intricate passing before Doué netted just before halftime, latching onto a pass and clipping the ball over the right shoulder of goalkeeper Kevin Trapp from near the penalty spot.
Willem Geubbels equalized from the spot in the 51st minute after Illia Zabarnyi gave away a penalty. But PSG regained the lead two minutes later when Dembélé cut in from the right and his deflected shot beat Trapp, a former PSG goalkeeper.
Two red cards and a defeat
Marseille had two players sent off in a dismal performance which angered coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian has tried to improve the mentality and concentration of the team since taking charge last season, but again lamented the same shortcomings. (AP)
