Recap: Hot start sees PSG past Lyon
Match Reports
With both teams in sterling form heading into the next-to-last match in Ligue 1 McDonald's in 2024, Sunday evening's clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc des Princes had all the makings of a classic affair, with both sides on lengthy unbeaten runs domestically and going through the gears domestically. Despite making some changes, though, it was the hosts who ran out comfortable winners, riding a strong early start to a 3-1 victory that leaves them seven points clear of Olympique de Marseille in second place.
A strong start
Despite having made some changes after a win over RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League in the week, Luis Enrique's side were quick out of the blocks, with Désiré Doué -- starting in place of former Lyon man Bradley Barcola on the left -- made a clever run up the left flank before cutting the ball back to Ousmane Dembélé, who opened the scoring with a first-time effort.
Doué was then involved in the second goal as well, drawing a penalty after being brought down by Corentin Tolisso. Vitinha stepped up to beat Lucas Perri with a low shot into the bottom corner, and Enrique's side were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes, with a buoyant crowd behind them. Just past the half hour, it was nearly a third for the hosts, but Lucas Beraldo's header at a corner would flash wide of the far post.
PSG is enjoying their victory 🥳🙌 pic.twitter.com/nvEcVgLcl2
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 15, 2024
Lyon battle back, but ramos seals the result
Lyon wouldn't take going behind lying down, though, and just before the half, Rayan Cherki played a defence-splitting pass to Georges Mikautadze, who coolly finished from close range. Moments later, an acrobatic effort by Jordan Veretout was blocked by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but PSG would retain their lead going into the break. The pace of the match dropped to a large extent in the second half, and while both sides would have their chances, it would be a goal from Gonçalo Ramos that would kill off any suspense, the Portugal international prodding the ball home after Perri had spilled an effort by Barcola.
Speaking post match, Enrique was quick to underscore the importance of not only winning against a strong opponent, but doing so after a frustrating run of league form at home, saying, "This victory is very important. It’s also for the supporters who are always behind us. They always push us on, even during the tougher moments we’ve faced recently. We’re bouncing back and that’s what matters most."
Following on from this cracking win for PSG, the hosts will have to turn things around quickly, as they'll face AS Monaco on the road on Wednesday in a match that's been brought forward to accommodate the two sides playing in the Trophée des Champions, before a tricky tie away to Lens in the Coupe de France. As for Lyon, who stay fifth despite the loss, they'll also be in cup action this weekend, playing away to amateurs SC Feignes on Saturday.
The stat:
Ousmane Dembélé's goal was his sixth in the league this season, a total he hasn't bettered since the 2018/19 season with FC Barcelona
Read more:
