Paris Saint-Germain has impressively consolidated and extended its lead at the top of the table: the French champions left no doubt about their victory at their rivals Olympique Marseille from the first second of the “Classique”. But OM also made the mistake that could only be made.
PSG remains the measure of all things in Ligue 1. Why this is the team of coach Luis Enrique, she proved impressively on Sunday evening. In the eagerly awaited “Classique” at arch-enemy Marseille, whose fans had prepared a huge choreography, the guests did not let any tension arise.
The capital club made its mark on the game from the outset – and took the lead after just seven minutes. Nuno Mendes’ cross put keeper Rulli in the middle, where Joao Neves dusted it coolly. It was the first goal in the new league for the Portuguese player after six Ligue 1 assists.
OM had big problems getting into the game. And suddenly, coach Roberto de Zerbi’s team was also down to ten men. Without any need, Harit went into a tackle with Marquinhos, but the former Schalke player hit the Brazilian with a high leg that did not really hit him. Referee Francois Letexier still saw it as a red card.
Captain Balerdi scores an own goal without need
Harit had no sympathy for this, but his teammates played for 70 minutes with a man down. Nine minutes later, it was one of Harit’s teammates who, to make matters worse, scored an own goal: after an actually harmless cross from Hakimi, it was captain Balerdi who needlessly kicked the ball into his own goal (29′).
But after the former Dortmund player’s mistake, things got even worse. With his eighth Ligue 1 goal, Barcola made the decision in the 40th minute. In the aftermath, images were seen of crowds of OM fans leaving the stadium. There was no belief in a comeback and in their own team.
PSG offense too negligent
Immediately after the break – Greenwood and Wahi were substituted – Barcola should have increased the lead, but his shot flew wide on the right (47′). The first reasonably dangerous advance by Marseille came from Rabiot, who shot over (52′).
Dembelé had a much better chance when he found himself alone in front of Rulli after a brilliant through ball from Barcola – but he hurried and sent the ball over the bar (56′). Substitute Doué could have scored as well, but in minute 72, he shot too centrally and was unfocused. Fabian, who had also come on, only hit the crossbar (79′). Brassier carelessly missed the chance to score a consolation goal after a free kick (84.).
Ultimately, the final score was a flattering 0-3 from Monaco’s point of view. With their seventh win in nine Ligue 1 games, PSG not only maintained their lead in the table, but extended it – Monaco had made a mistake in Nice (1-2).
