PSG survive Metz scare to reclaim provisional top spot

Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed provisional top spot in Ligue 1 McDonald's on Saturday evening, but were made to work hard for a 3-2 victory away to bottom side FC Metz on Matchday 16.

Despite controlling possession for long spells, the visitors were repeatedly tested by a spirited Metz side who scored in each half and pushed PSG all the way to stoppage time.

PSG struck first through Gonçalo Ramos in the 31st minute, the Portuguese striker finishing confidently to give the champions the lead. The advantage was doubled eight minutes later when Quentin Ndjantou marked his first Ligue 1 start with a well-taken goal, rewarding Luis Enrique’s faith in youth.

Metz responded just before the break as Jessy Deminguet reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute, keeping the contest alive at half-time.

The decisive moment appeared to arrive shortly after the hour mark when Désiré Doué, introduced at the interval, made an immediate impact by restoring PSG’s two-goal cushion in the 63rd minute. However, Metz refused to fold and reignited the contest late on through a superb strike from Georgiy Tsitaishvili in the 81st minute.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser in a tense finale, but PSG held firm to secure a second consecutive league victory. The result lifts Paris back to the top of the table ahead of Sunday’s clash between Lens and Nice, while Metz remain rooted to the bottom despite an encouraging display.

THE STAT:

PSG have scored seven goals through players who came on as substitutes in Ligue 1 this season, with only Monaco (10) and Lille (9) recording more. Both of Désiré Doué's last two goals in the top-flight have come as a substitute, compared to none of his first six with PSG.

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