Sochaux shock PSG as Beckham waits for debut

Paris Saint-Germain’s lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table was cut to three points after they were defeated for only the fourth time this season, losing 3-2 to an inspired Sochaux side at the Stade Auguste-Bonal.

The league leaders - missing Thiago Silva, Thiago Motta, Lucas, Jeremy Menez and a certain David Beckham - went ahead through Alex against the run of play but Sochaux hit back to lead with goals from Sebastien Roudet and a debut goal from Giovanni Sio.

PSG looked to have secured a point after Jerome Roussillon deflected past his own keeper but substitute Cedric Bakambu sealed a surprise but deserved victory with just over five minutes remaining.

The absence of several key players to Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed early on as the home side dominated the opening quarter of the match, showing no signs of a side sitting one spot above the drop zone.

And Sochaux were nearly celebrating a goal in the opening three minutes, Salvatore Sirigu flapping a cross straight into the path of Edouard Butin, Gregory Van der Wiel stretching well to block his shot and save his team.

Moments later and Sochaux had the ball in the back of the net thanks to a glorious finish from Sio into the top corner from Ryad Boudebouz’s pass only for the flag to be raised for a marginal offside.

Sochaux continued to dominate play with the influential Boudebouz at the heart of most of their attacks. Lovely skill from the midfielder set up a chance for Roudet and his shot deflected back off him and just wide of the post.

Sochaux had justifiable claims for a penalty waved away as Clement Chantome looked to have handled Boudebouz’s free kick in the box, the visitors again lucky to survive.

But despite dominating possession and chances, Sochaux found themselves a goal down against the run of play. A lovely flick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic played in Ezequiel Lavezzi and Simon Pouplin was forced into making a fine save. And from the resultant corner, Alex rose to head home his first league goal of the season.

Undeterred by the setback, Sochaux continued to press forward and they were deservedly level within minutes. Another penetrating ball from Boudebouz found Roudet on the left side of the box and he drilled his low shot past Sirigu and into the far corner.

Roudet almost had a second within minutes, his goalbound shot well blocked by Sakho as Sochaux finished the half on top.

Sochaux continued where they left off at the start of the second half and their endeavour was rewarded with a second thanks to a debut goal from Sio. The striker latched onto Roudet’s neat flick before rifling a shot that bounced awkwardly in front of Sirigu, although the keeper really ought to have done better.

Pouplin was on better form between the home sticks, denying Ibrahimovic with a fine save to rescue Loic Poujol for an awful back header that fell straight into the Swede's path. PSG then had the post to thank for keeping them only a goal behind, Sebastien Corchia’s free kick cannoning back across goal after hitting the inside of the woodwork.

Just as PSG scored against the run of play in the opening half, so lightning struck twice in the second from yet another corner. Alex again rose well to head the ball goalwards and Sakho latched onto the dropping ball to hit his shot against the unfortunate Roussillon who deflected it into the net.

But Sochaux continued to press and their excellent all round performance was rewarded with a late winner as Eric Hely’s substitutes paid dividends. The excellent Boudebouz found Sloan Privat on the far post and his knock back fell perfectly for Bakambu to side foot into an empty net.

Victory for Sochaux takes them up to 14th, three points clear of the drop zone whilst PSG travel to Marseille on Sunday with Beckham expected to feature from the bench.