Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) moved to the Ligue 1 summit as Moise Kean’s late goal sealed a 2-1 win over Nice at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino was without the services of Brazilian superstar Neymar, who is out for a month after suffering an adductor injury in the midweek Coupe de France win over Caen.
But the champions had just enough to seal a sixth consecutive top-flight home win.
Rony Lopes cancelled out Julian Draxler’s 22nd-minute opener early in the second half, but Kean —— who scored the winner against Caen —— secured maximum points 14 minutes from time.
The result meant PSG —— who visit FC Barcelona for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday —— leapfrogged Lille at the top of Ligue 1.
This was courtesy of a superior goal difference.
But Christophe Galtier’s side can reclaim top spot with a point against Brest on Sunday.
The hosts deservedly went ahead midway through the first half when Draxler prodded home his third goal of the season from eight yards.
That was after Mauro Icardi’s close-range effort had cannoned back off the post.
Kylian Mbappe should have doubled PSG’s advantage shortly before the interval, the France international failing to make contact with Icardi’s cross from six yards.
Amine Gouiri thundered over a presentable opportunity at the other end.
Nice pulled level five minutes after the break when Marquinhos’ attempted clearance went as far as Lopes.
He drove into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful drive that gave Keylor Navas no chance.
Mbappe fizzed a strike just wide soon after following a swift counter-attacking move, while Gouiri crashed against the crossbar from close range as Nice threatened to pull ahead.
Kean stretched PSG’s unbeaten run at home to Nice to 10 games in the 76th minute, though, heading in from four yards after Icardi had steered Mbappe’s cross into his path.(dpa/NAN)
