Paris Saint-Germain edged Paris FC 2-1 in a historic Paris derby on Sunday to remain one point behind Ligue 1 leaders Lens, while Marseille slipped further behind the title pace after a damaging home defeat.
Defending champions PSG secured victory in the first men’s top-flight Paris derby since 1990, with goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé at the Parc des Princes.
PSG dominated possession early on but squandered several promising opportunities before Doué broke the deadlock just before half-time, latching onto a pass and lifting the ball over goalkeeper Kevin Trapp from close range.
Paris FC drew level in the 51st minute when Willem Geubbels converted from the penalty spot after Illia Zabarnyi conceded a foul. The visitors’ joy was short-lived, however, as PSG regained the lead two minutes later when Dembélé cut inside from the right and saw his deflected effort beat Trapp, a former PSG goalkeeper.
The derby was played just 44 metres from Paris FC’s home ground, Stade Jean Bouin, underscoring the rarity and intensity of the capital clash.
Earlier on Sunday, Marseille’s inconsistent campaign took another blow as they lost 2–0 at home to Nantes, leaving them eight points adrift of leaders Lens in third place.
Also read: Paris derby returns after 36 years as PSG face Paris FC
Marseille had two players sent off in a dismal performance that drew sharp criticism from head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
“We need to look at ourselves. If we play this kind of match, if we don't show more desire to win, we get what we deserve, which is no better than third place,” De Zerbi said. “We started the match badly, even with 11 against 11, lacking energy, lacking what it takes to play.”
Marseille midfielder Arthur Vermeeren was shown a straight red card in the 26th minute for a late challenge on goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, before Fabien Centonze put Nantes ahead five minutes later.
The hosts’ woes deepened when Bilal Nadir was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 56th minute. Rémy Cabella sealed the victory for 16th-placed Nantes with a late penalty.
Before kick-off at the Stade Vélodrome, Marseille supporters observed a minute’s silence in memory of former coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who died on December 26 at the age of 72.
Elsewhere, Le Havre boosted their survival hopes with a 2–1 win over Angers, Metz drew 1–1 at Lorient, Brest beat Auxerre 2–0, and Lens had earlier strengthened their lead with a 3–0 victory at Toulouse on Friday.
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