Paris Saint-Germain moved four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nantes at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the standout performer, scoring twice, while Désiré Doué added the third goal.
Nantes started strongly and had a goal disallowed for offside, but PSG’s quality eventually told. Captain Marquinhos acknowledged the challenge from Lens, who sit second. “The title is still in play. Lens aren’t giving up,” he said. “This is a tough league but we haven’t had a challenger like this in other years. Lens are really having a great season. It’s good for us. It keeps us working hard and focused.”
Kvaratskhelia Shines as PSG’s Key Man
Kvaratskhelia, now on 16 goals this season, delivered his best league performance of the campaign. His first goal came after a neat finish, and his second was a solo effort involving a one-two with Ousmane Dembélé and a slalom through the box. Manager Luis Enrique joked: “He must have thought we were playing in the Champions League. He’s a high-quality player. You can see it in his technical ability but also in his character.”
The Georgian forward has been PSG’s most important player this spring. “Every game is important now. Lens are running alongside us,” he said.
Fixture Congestion Poses Challenge
PSG now face a grueling run of nine matches in 28 days, a consequence of two league games postponed to aid Champions League preparation. The schedule was criticized by Lens, but PSG’s shortened summer break due to the Club World Cup made the respite welcome. However, with the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich approaching, rotation will be necessary.
Luis Enrique fielded his first-choice attack against Nantes but will need to rely on backups in coming weeks. The second-string side struggled in a recent defeat to Lyon, with Gonçalo Ramos failing to impress and Lee Kang-in unconvincing. Youngsters like Ibrahim Mbaye and Senny Mayulu have seen limited minutes due to injuries or form.
Lens Keep Pressure On
Lens remain in contention, having reached their first Coupe de France final in 28 years with a 4-1 win over Toulouse. Florian Thauvin was instrumental, contributing to all four goals. If Lens miss out on the league title, winning the cup would be a historic consolation. Nice also advanced to the final by beating Strasbourg 2-0, with Elye Wahi scoring both goals.
PSG’s next league match is at Angers on Saturday, while Lens face Brest on Friday. A Lens win would increase pressure on PSG. With key players like Vitinha and Nuno Mendes doubts for the Bayern clash, PSG’s squad depth will be tested.
