PSG win to extend lead over Lens at top of Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow 1-0 victory on the road against Le Havre on Saturday, thanks to a goal from Bradley Barcola, while Desire Doue saw his penalty effort stopped, allowing PSG to increase their advantage at the summit of the Ligue 1 standings to four points.

The team aimed to capitalise on Lens's latest stumble, as their main challengers for the title managed only a 1-1 stalemate at Strasbourg the previous day, marking two matches without success.

Under Luis Enrique, PSG achieved their objective when Barcola nodded home a delivery from Lee Kang-in in the 37th minute, marking his ninth strike this campaign.

The squad was far from complete, missing Ousmane Dembele once more due to injury, alongside Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, and captain Marquinhos was rested among others.

Coming on as a substitute during the second period, Doue earned a spot-kick with little more than 10 minutes left, yet Le Havre's Mory Diaw thwarted it by diving low to his right.

Diaw further impressed with a sharp reflex denial on Nuno Mendes, whereas PSG's Matvei Safonov proved crucial by blocking Issa Soumare's attempt from the opposite side.

As current holders of the European crown, they prepare for a Champions League knockout clash with Chelsea, having triumphed in nine of their past 10 domestic fixtures since early December.

In other French action that day, Rennes notched a second consecutive victory under fresh manager Franck Haise, overcoming Toulouse 1-0 at home in Brittany via Arnaud Nordin's goal before the interval.

Monaco bounced back from their Champions League qualifier defeat to PSG, with goals from American talent Folarin Balogun and Simon Adingra securing a 2-0 triumph against Angers.

Marseille, sitting fourth, will welcome third-positioned Lyon on Sunday in a vital encounter for securing a Champions League spot.