Paris Saint-Germain secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Marseille in the latest Le Classique at Parc des Princes, reclaiming the top spot in Ligue 1. Ousmane Dembele starred with two goals, while an own goal and strikes from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kang-in Lee sealed the rout. The win provides a major boost for the champions ahead of the season's run-in.
The match, a heated Ligue 1 derby, kicked off at 7:45pm UK time with Marseille starting aggressively, pressing high to disrupt PSG's build-up. They created an early chance when Amine Gouiri met a driven cross inside the six-yard box, but PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov made a sharp save to deny him.
PSG responded swiftly. In the 12th minute, Desire Doue released Nuno Mendes down the left flank, who squared the ball for Dembele to tap in the opener. The hosts then dominated possession, stretching Marseille's defense. Bradley Barcola struck the post after a pass from Senny Mayulu, and Doue forced a save from Marseille's goalkeeper.
The second goal came in the 37th minute following a defensive error by Leonardo Balerdi, allowing Dembele to race through, evade pressure, and drive a powerful shot into the near post for 2-0 at halftime.
After the break, Marseille pushed forward but left themselves exposed. PSG hit the woodwork twice more through Doue and Barcola. The third goal arrived in the 64th minute when Joao Neves lifted a volley into the area, and Facundo Medina inadvertently diverted it into his own net.
Two minutes later, Dembele provided a measured pass to Kvaratskhelia, who controlled the dropping ball and volleyed it past the keeper for 4-0. Substitute Kang-in Lee completed the scoring in the 74th minute, finishing low from Mayulu's pass.
Marseille had late chances, with Safonov saving a header and Kvaratskhelia hitting the crossbar, but the scoreline stood. PSG, who started the day in second place nine points ahead of fourth-placed Marseille, now lead the table. Historically, PSG have won 26 of the previous 39 meetings between the clubs.
PSG's starting lineup included Safonov, Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Mayulu, Vitinha, Neves, Doue, Dembele, and Barcola. Marseille fielded De Lange, Pavard, Balerdi, Medina, Weah, Emerson, Timber, Hojbjerg, Greenwood, Nwaneri, and Gouiri.
