PSG clinch third French title in a row
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ByEurosport
Updated 16/05/2015 at 21:54 GMT
Ligue 1, Stade de la Mosson – Montpellier 1 (Mounier 40) Paris Saint-Germain 2 (Matuidi 17, Lavezzi 25)
Paris Saint-Germain's players celebrate winning the French L1 football match between Montpellier (MHSC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on May 16, 2015 at La Mosson Stadium in Montpellier, southern France
Image credit: AFP
PSG claimed their third consecutive Ligue 1 title after first half goals from Blaise Matuidi and Ezequiel Lavezzi secured a 2-1 victory at Montpellier.
PSG, who lead second-place Lyon by eight points, only needed a point to be sure of being crowned champions – but they recorded their eighth successive league win over a Montepellier side fighting for European qualification.
PSG, who were without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic, were the better side on the night and took the lead early on through Matuidi, who slotted past Jonathan Ligali after the impressive Adrien Rabiot picked him out.
PSG doubled their advantage soon after when Lavezzi tapped in after a surging run and cross by right-back Serge Aurier.
Montpellier pulled a goal back when top scorer Anthony Mounier added to his tally for the season with a complete fluke – over hitting a cross and seeing it sail over Salvatore Sirigu’s head in the PSG goal.
The home side never really troubled Laurent Blanc’s side, who held on for the win to joyous scenes of celebration by the PSG players and fans. PSG round off their campaign against Stade Reims at Parc des Princes next weekend, before they hope to seal a domestic double in the French Cup final against Auxerre on May 30.
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Paris Saint Germain players' congratulate their French midfielder Blaise Matuidi (2nd L) after he scored a goal during the French L1 football match between Montpellier (MHSC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
Image credit: AFP
KEY MOMENTS
7’ CHANCE! Huge opportunity for PSG! Hilton's back pass goes straight to Cavani, who tries to round the keep, then checks back but fires over the bar. Should have scored.
17’ GOAL! Montpellier 0-1 PSG: Matuidi scores for the champions-in-waiting! Rabiot picks him out perfectly and Matuidi finishes calmly into the bottom corner.
25’ GOAL! Montpellier 0-2 PSG: Lavezzi doubles PSG's lead! Aurier races down the right wing to deliver a low cross that Cavani misses, but Lavezzi doesn't – side-footing in first-time.
29’ CHANCE! Cavani almost makes it 3-0! Ligali pulls off great stop to deny Cavani, who had so much time and space in the box.
40’ GOAL! Montpellier 1-2 PSG: Mounier scores for the home side with a complete fluke! Montpellier's top scorer cuts inside from the right and over hits his cross, which catches Sirigu out, sailing over his head and straight into the goal!
63’ CHANCE! Montpellier create a good opening through Barrios, who does well to squeeze in a cross for substitute Berigaud, but he fails to make a good contact and the balls squirms wide.
90’+1 OFF THE POST! Pastore almost clinches the title in style with a superb shot that crashes back off the woodwork!
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Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva celebrates winning the French L1 football match between Montpellier (MHSC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on May 16, 2015 at La Mosson Stadium in Montpellier
Image credit: AFP
KEY STATS
This was PSG's eighth consecutive league victory, which equals their club record in the top flight.
This is PSG's fifth French title (1986, 1994, 2013, 2014, 2015).
Anthony Mounier has scored nine goals in the league this season - a career best.
TALKING POINT
What next for this PSG team? They can make it a domestic double with victory in the French Cup final, but the bigger prize is the Champions League and they’ll have to strengthen their team if they are to achieve that goal. The addition of Paul Pogba would be a good place to start.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Adrien Rabiot (PSG) – This young midfielder is a star in the making. Delivered a brilliant pass for Matuidi’s opener and was a threat all night. Big things are predicted of this cultured Frenchman – and tonight was further evidence of his abundant potential.
PLAYER RATINGS
MONTPELLIER: Ligali 7, Deplagne 7, Congre 7, Hilton 6, El Kaoutari 7, Marveaux 6, Lasne 6, Saihi 6, Martin 7, Mounier 8, Barrios 7. Subs: Dabo 7, Camara N/A, Berigaud 6.
PSG: Sirigu 6, Aurier 7, Maxwell 7, Luiz 7, Silva 7, Cabaye 7, Rabiot 8, Matuidi 8, Cavani 6, Pastore 7, Lavezzi 7. Subs: Marquinhos 7, Moura 6.
MATCH IN A TWEET
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