PSG pegged back by Lorient, Metz stun Lens as Hein strikes twice late on, Nice shine against Lille

There was plenty of action in the first four fixtures of Wednesday evening in Ligue 1 McDonald's as Lorient earned a huge point against Paris Saint-Germain, whilst Nice continued their recent resurgence with a win over Lille - whilst Metz showed some fighting spirit at home to upset an in-form Lens side.

The Champions held by Lorient 

Promoted side FC Lorient held Paris Saint-Germain to a vital draw at Stade Le Moustoir. With Ousmane Dembélé starting for the first time since his Ballon d’Or triumph, and Nuno Mendes impressing higher up the pitch, the visitors were firmly camped in Lorient’s half for much of the affair in Brittany. It was Mendes who opened the scoring for Les Parisiens early in the second half, bursting down the right side and pouncing at the second bite of the cherry after an initially rebounded strike (50').

THE STAT: Paris Saint-Germain recorded 78.24% possession tonight — their highest figure in an away Ligue 1 match since Opta began analysing the competition (2006/07).

But Les Merlus found an instant response, when Lucas Chevalier's clearance out of the box could only find its way to Igor Silva on the edge of the box, who drove a low, drilled finish into the back of the net - to the ecstasy of the celebrations of Stade de Moustoir (52'). After Désiré Doué had to be pulled off because of injury, Bradley Barcola's snapshot volley was well-saved by Yvon Mvogo. Arthur Avom then blasted over the bar in the opposite half as Les Merlus hoped to move the game out of their own territory. 

Nice claim statement win over Lille at home

Franck Haise's side continued their recent resurgence with a statement 2-0 victory at home to Lille. Sofiane Diop once again delivered for Les Aiglons in the first period, converting with a Panenka from the penalty spot following a reckless challenge from Lille shotstopper Bodart on Kevin Carlos (29'). It came as a sixth goal for Diop during a stellar start to the season for Franck Haise's side, who have now scored in five straight Ligue 1 McDonald's matches. Lille threatened earlier through Fernandez-Pardo and Felix Correia before saves from Yehvann Diof kept Nice's lead intact going into the second period.

FC Metz show fight against Lens in dramatic finish

At Saint-Symphorien, Metz finally converted supremacy into points as Gauthier Hein struck twice at the death to beat Lens 2–0. The Grenats had bombarded Risser all evening with Diallo, Kouao and Sabaly repeatedly threatening before Hein thundered a penalty into the top corner on 87 minutes after a foul on Sané, then added a stoppage-time clincher before being sent off. Lens, lively through Thauvin in patches, were otherwise suffocated by Metz’s pressure.

THE STAT: Gauthier Hein scored his 15th and 16th goals with Metz in Ligue 1 McDonald's Ligue 2 BKT, successfully converting each of his eight penalties.

Le Havre edge past Brest

Over in Normandy, Le Havre edged Brest 1–0 when Arouna Sanganté powered in a Zouaoui corner (73’) that deflected off Tousart on its way past Majecki, a just reward after Soumaré’s audacious back-heel chance and an earlier Doucouré goal ruled out for offside; Brest’s best moment was Ajorque’s volley against the post shortly after the break.

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