PSG crush 10-man Nice to return to summit of Ligue 1

PSG clinched an exciting quarter-final tie against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League following a comprehensive win over Chelsea in both legs, yet they face challenges in holding onto their Ligue 1 crown as RC Lens reclaimed the top spot with a resounding 5-1 win against Angers on Friday.

The game kicked off with high energy, as PSG created their initial promising chance in the 12th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelias left-footed effort was brilliantly saved by Yehvann Diouf, and soon after, a similar attempt was deflected narrowly past the upright.

Dioufs net faced constant pressure from shots, and he was compelled to push Ilya Zabarnyis header over the crossbar around the midpoint of the first half.

Intent on thwarting the away side and achieving a surprise, Nice posed dangers during fast breaks, generating two opportunities in close sequence.

Experienced defender Dante nodded his header just beyond the post, whereas Elye Wahi missed a straightforward chance by failing to meet a delivery into the box.

Yet, right as it seemed the interval would arrive without scores, VAR granted PSG a spot-kick after Desire Doues half-volley hit Morgan Sansons arm, and Nuno Mendes calmly placed his penalty into the bottom right.

This strike came following Juma Bahs crucial block, as he cleverly redirected Kvaratskhelias attempt over the bar to prevent a goal.

The break allowed the home team time to reorganise and devise a recovery strategy, but Nice's aspirations for their first league triumph since January were dashed early in the second half by PSG.

Mendes surged into the area after a swift exchange with Kvaratskhelia, delivering a perfect pass to Doue, who blasted the ball into the goal.

Nices evening deteriorated rapidly when Youssouf Ndayishimiye received a red card on the 60th minute for a debated foul on Lee Kang-in, and PSG nearly added a third goal shortly afterwards.

Doue received the ball in plenty of room thanks to Mendess excellent pass, but his left-footed shot was directed straight at Diouf.

PSG dominated possession in Nices territory for the remainder, sealing the victory with a pair of goals towards the end.

Dro Fernandez netted his debut senior strike for the team by precisely finishing past Diouf, followed by Warren Zaire-Emery who easily tapped the ball home from a fortuitous deflection.

These three points for PSG highlight their leading tally of away goals in Ligue 1 at 27. Nice's loss positions them 15th, extending their barren league streak to seven games.