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With the win, PSG move one point ahead of Lens, who thrashed Angers 5-1 on Friday and have played one more game.
PSG’s Nuno Mendes, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the French League One soccer match between Nice and Paris Saint-Germain in Nice, France, Saturday, March 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Philippe Magoni)
Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1 with a dominant 4-0 win over 10-man Nice on Saturday as Nuno Mendes, Desire Doue, Dro Fernandez and Warren Zaire-Emery found the back of the net.
Nice played the final half-hour a man down after Burundi midfielder Youssouf Ndayishimiye was sent off on his first start following a 10-month layoff with a knee injury.
PSG move one point ahead of Lens, who thrashed Angers 5-1 on Friday and have played one more game. PSG and Lens will meet on April 11.
“It will be difficult until the end,” warned Luis Enrique of the title battle.
Days after keeping their Champions League title defence on track by reaching the quarter-finals with an 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea, the Parisians were slightly less flamboyant but highly efficient in attack, despite the absence of several key players.
“Yes, it was a perfect evening. Every match presents difficulties, especially since it’s tough to play after the Champions League.
“We controlled the match; it wasn’t easy. These are three important points because Lens continue to improve, and it will be difficult until the end.”
On the Riviera, the reigning French champions recorded their third consecutive victory since their 3-1 defeat against Monaco three weeks ago.
“We showed that we are capable of improving and overcoming difficulties,” added the Spanish coach.
– First goal for Dro –
The visitors opened the scoring with a penalty awarded after Morgan Samson handled the ball in the box.
Portuguese winger Nuno Mendes, deployed on the left to replace the injured Bradley Barcola, ended PSG’s poor run of missed penalties after 42 minutes.
Mendes then set up Doue for his fifth league goal after the break.
Ousmane Dembele came on after an hour and was involved in the last two Parisian goals with subtle passes.
Eighteen-year-old Dro Fernandez scored his first goal for the club since arriving from Barcelona during the winter transfer window after 81 minutes.
Warren Zaire-Emery met a Lucas Beraldo cross to cap off the victory with five minutes remaining.
Already missing several key players, Luis Enrique then lost two more, with Senny Mayulu substituted just before half-time, visibly suffering from a calf injury.
Lee Kang-in, nursing a left ankle injury, was forced to leave the pitch after 64 minutes following a reckless tackle by Ndayishimiye, which resulted in the Nice player’s sending off.
Nice remain 15th, ahead of Auxerre, who beat Brest 3-0 in a crucial win for their survival hopes. Auxerre are five points ahead of Nantes.
The Burgundy side played with 10 men after the dismissal of their goalkeeper Donovan Leon after six minutes but held on against Brest, who drop to 11th.
Toulouse secured their second consecutive Ligue 1 victory with a 1-0 win over Lorient, substitute Emerson scoring after a solo run nine minutes from time.
Toulouse moved into the top half of the table, climbing to ninth place and overtaking Lorient, who sit in 10th.
March 22, 2026, 09:21 IST
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