Mar 22 (V7N) – Paris Saint-Germain returned to the top of Ligue 1 with a commanding 4-0 victory over 10-man OGC Nice on Saturday, with coach Luis Enrique describing the night as a “perfect evening.”

The Parisians delivered a clinical performance, with Nuno Mendes opening the scoring from the penalty spot just before halftime. Second-half goals from Desire Doue, Dro Fernandez, and Warren Zaire-Emery sealed an emphatic win.

Nice’s task became even harder when Youssouf Ndayishimiye was sent off midway through the second half, reducing the hosts to 10 men during his first start after a lengthy injury layoff.

The victory lifts PSG one point above RC Lens, who had temporarily taken top spot with a 5-1 win over Angers. The two title rivals are set for a decisive clash on April 11.

“It will be difficult until the end,” warned Luis Enrique, acknowledging the intensity of the title race. “We controlled the match; it wasn’t easy… these are three important points.”

Fresh from a dominant UEFA Champions League performance — an 8-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea — PSG showed efficiency over flair, despite missing several key players.

On the pitch, Mendes not only converted the penalty but also assisted Doue’s goal early in the second half. Substitute Ousmane Dembele added creativity late on, contributing to the final two goals with clever passes.

Teenager Dro Fernandez marked a memorable moment by scoring his first goal for the club since joining from FC Barcelona, while Zaire-Emery capped off the rout with a late finish.

However, the win came at a cost. PSG suffered fresh injury concerns, with Senny Mayulu forced off before halftime and Lee Kang-in leaving the field after a heavy challenge that led to Ndayishimiye’s dismissal.

Elsewhere, AJ Auxerre boosted their survival hopes with a 3-0 win over Stade Brestois 29 despite being reduced to 10 men early on. Auxerre now sit five points clear of FC Nantes.

Toulouse FC continued their rise with a 1-0 victory over FC Lorient, moving into ninth place after substitute Emerson’s late solo goal.

As the Ligue 1 season intensifies, PSG’s dominant display sends a strong message — but with Lens close behind, the title race remains wide open.

END/WSPRH