PSG’s lead in Ligue 1 cut after latest defeat
Paris Saint-Germain’s lead at the top of Ligue 1 was cut to five points on Sunday after Achraf Hakimi was sent off in a 3-1 home defeat by Lorient and nearest rivals Marseille beat Auxerre 2-1.
Midfielder Lorient led Enzo Le Fee’s early goal at the Parc des Princes before Hakimi was sent off for a second yellow card within the first 20 minutes.
Kylian Mbappe opportunistically equalized for the home side, rushing for a goal after Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo knocked the ball down, mistakenly thinking the referee had awarded a free-kick.
But Lorient deservedly took the lead again before half-time when Darlin Yongwa converted from close range and they secured the win late on as Bamba Dieng ran through unchallenged to score on the second try after Gianluigi Donnarumma stopped his shot.
The final whistle was greeted with loud cheers from home fans in a stadium where one end was closed as a penalty after fans fired flares during a recent defeat by Lyon.
It was PSG’s sixth Ligue 1 defeat of 2023 and allowed Marseille to catch up, raising new doubts about the capital club’s aspirations to win a record French La Liga title.
Marseille wins
Marseille came to a home win against Auxerre when Cengiz Under canceled out Birama Toure’s opening goal in the 75th minute for the relegation-threatened opponents.
Alexis Sanchez then clinched all three points for Marseille in the 77th minute with his 13th league goal of the season.
Third-placed Lens will move within six points of PSG if they beat Toulouse away in midweek.
“Our second half of the season was very, very average. Too many players seem distracted,” said PSG coach Christophe Galtier, who described Hakimi’s second yellow card as “really stupid”.
“Everyone in the dressing room is disappointed and what I’m expecting now is a reaction from everyone, from the players, the staff and everyone who works for the club,” said Luis Campos, PSG’s de facto sporting director in his role as football adviser is , said the broadcaster Canal Plus.
“There has to be a reaction and we have to win the title. I’m sure we can do it but we have to make sure we don’t lose our heads. We have to be aware that we can and must do better.” better.”
PSG, with Neymar watching in the stands while recovering from an ankle injury, had not lost a home league game since October 2010, conceding three goals in the process.
That was the last season before the Qatar takeover that transformed the club.
PSG’s next four games are against Troyes, Ajaccio, Auxerre and Strasbourg, four clubs either in the relegation zone or fighting for relegation.
Marseille and Lens also play each other next weekend and it remains highly unlikely that the Parisians would be unable to defend their league title.