PSG beat Marseille to narrow gap at top

PSG closed the gap on title rivals Marseille to a solitary point at the top of the Ligue 1 table with a 2-0 victory at the Parc de Princes.

The visitors had arguably the better of the chances in the opening half but Lucas slammed home Ezequiel Lavezzi’s cross just before the break and Edison Cavani wrapped things up five minutes from time with a trademark header.

PSG came into the tie as the form side having won their previous five matches, but it was Marseille who had the better of the early play, Andre Pierre Gignac clattering a header against the bar before Romain Alessandrini forced Salvatore Sirigu into making a decisive save.

But indecisive defending from Benjamin Mendy gifted the ball away to set up PSG’s opener just before half time.

And the match then swung heavily in the home side’s favour when Gianelli Imbula was harshly sent off for an innocuous looking challenge on Yohan Cabaye, with Cavani adding gloss to the scoreline in the 85th minute.

4’ – GICNAC HITS THE WOODWORK: Very close to his 11th of the season but the bar comes to PSG’s rescue.

20’ – GOOD SAVE MANDANDA: He gets down sharply to deny Pastore.

30’ – GOOD SAVE SIRIGU: Now it’s the PSG keeper’s turn to deny Alessandrini.

38’ – GOAL! PSG 1-0 Marseille: Somewhat against the run of play as Lucas taps home from Lavezzi’s cross.

78’ – IMBULA SENT OFF: It looks a harsh call as he barely catches Cabaye after losing the ball.

85’ – GOAL! PSG 2-0 Marseille: Cavani wraps things up, heading home Aurier’s cross.

Edinson Cavani has scored in his last five competitive games for PSG, his best streak with his new club.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic played his 100th game in all competitions for PSG.

The red that wasn’t a red. It was a howler after Imbula was given his marching orders for the most innocuous challenge.

Lucas: Solid match at the heart of the PSG midfield and set his side on the way with the decisive opener.

PSG: Sirigu 7, Aurier 7, Thiago Silva 6, Luiz 6, Maxwell 6, Pastore 6, Verratti 6, Matuidi 6, Lucas 8, Cavani 7, Lavezzi 6. SUBS: Marquinhos 6, Cabaye 6, Ibrahimovic 7.

OM: Mandanda 7, Dja Djédjé 6, Fanni 6, Nkoulou 6, Mendy 6, Lemina 6, Imbula 6, Alessandrini 7, Payet 6, Thauvin 6, Gignac 7. SUBS: Barrada 6, Batshuayi 6