(VIDEO) PSG Secures Victory with Brilliant Dembélé Performance
The visiting team only posed a threat near the end, but the Parisian squad remains the undisputed leader of Ligue 1.
A pair of goals from Ousmane Dembélé were enough for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), solid in the first half but shaky in the second, to beat Saint-Étienne 2-1.
Strong Leadership Despite Inconsistencies
The team led by Luis Enrique responded to Olympique de Marseille's victory (1-2 against Stade Rennais) by earning three points to maintain a seven-point lead over their closest pursuer. While it wasn’t a stellar performance, PSG did enough to stay at the top and approach the upcoming week without concerns.
Meanwhile, Saint-Étienne, fighting to avoid relegation, failed to replicate their victory from the previous round. With the boost brought by their new coach, Eirik Horneland, the team attempted to pull off an upset. However, PSG's strong first-half performance, spearheaded by an inspired Dembélé, made the difference.
During the opening 45 minutes, Dembélé showcased his excellent form, reflected in his recent stats: four goals in his last four games, now adding two more against Saint-Étienne.
The first goal came in the 13th minute when he completed a diagonal run from right to left, finishing with a powerful left-footed strike into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur with no chance. Shortly after, he doubled the lead from the penalty spot following a handball by a visiting defender.
Second Half Brings Tension
Although PSG had chances to make it 3-0, notably through two one-on-one opportunities that Larsonneur saved against Bradley Barcola, their lack of finishing precision almost cost them. In the 64th minute, Zuriko Davitashvili reduced the deficit with a precise free kick that caught Gianluigi Donnarumma off guard.
With almost 30 minutes remaining, Saint-Étienne stayed in the fight thanks to the Georgian player’s goal but couldn’t manage to equalize. PSG held off their rivals’ attempts and maintained their lead, securing the victory at the Parc des Princes.
With this win, PSG keeps their seven-point advantage over Marseille and reinforces their position as the favorite to win the title.