Dembele's Magical Double Sends PSG to Ligue 1 Top Spot

Ousmane Dembele netted a brace to help defending champions Paris Saint-Germain rise to the top of Ligue 1 on Friday, securing a convincing 3-0 victory against Lille amid rain at Parc des Princes.

Lens, the unexpected leaders, might reclaim first place on Saturday if they defeat Auxerre, yet PSG manager Luis Enrique should feel encouraged by his star forward's resurgence.

Dembele claimed the Ballon dOr last year, though injuries have hampered his campaign until now.

His strikes, featuring an exquisite chip, on Friday ought to delight supporters of the Parisian club.

Displaying assurance, Dembele bent a precise left foot effort into the far corner from beyond the area in the 13th minute to break the deadlock.

Later, around the 61st minute, he lofted the ball over Lille custodian Berke Ozer from within the penalty area for a delightful second goal.

"Ousmane possesses that special flair, capable of everything, truly exceptional," remarked fellow player Warren Zaire-Emery post match.

Early in the second half, he found the net again, arriving free at the back post, but the linesman ruled it out for offside.

Bradley Barcola, introduced late in place of the hardworking yet ineffective Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, slotted the final goal during added time, capitalising on a blunder in the Lille defence that left just Ozer to round.

PSG shot stopper Lucas Chevalier enjoyed a quiet evening across the full match.

Lille, sitting fourth, pressed PSG into losing control of a few balls, including one that gave seasoned forward Olivier Giroud a partial opportunity; he lofted it against the crossbar in a heartbreaking almost goal when trailing by just one.

PSG fielded Dembele, Desire Doue, and Kvaratskhelia in an attacking setup reminiscent of their Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan in May, although vital backline player Achraf Hakimi was absent, set to feature in Moroccos Africa Cup of Nations decider on Sunday.

Last term, the French capital side clinched the title with a 19 point margin, while Lens have now achieved nine straight wins across competitions to challenge the continental title holders this year.