Paris back to winning ways in the league with win at Montpellier

A few days after the magical night at the Parc des Princes against Arsenal, and the victory that propelled the Parisians into the UEFA Champions League final, the Rouge et Bleu were back in Ligue 1 action and at La Mosson for Matchday 33 of Ligue 1.

Already crowned champions of France, Luis Enrique's men faced bottom-placed Montpellier Hérault, who have been already been relegated. As a result, the capital club's Spanish coach rotated heavily and took the chance to rest a number of key players.

Arnau Tenas in goal, Hernandez and Beraldo at centre-back, accompanied by Tape and Zaïre-Emery, who was wearing the armband for the game. With Lee, Mayulu and Mbaye in midfield, behind Doué, Barcola and Ramos, the Parisians were aiming to get back to winning ways in Ligue 1 with the youngest line-up in PSG's history

It was the home side who got things underway, with their first chance coming after a fast counter-attack, forcing Tenas into a double save (5'). The Parisians stayed strong, containing the spirit of a young opposing team who had nothing left to play for but pride in their last home game of the season.

The home side were playing well and leaving little space. The Parisians had possession of the ball, but were having difficulty getting close to Lecomte's goal. Barcola did manage to create the best chance of the first half-hour, though, as he controlled the ball over the top and struck hard, but his effort crashed against the bar (30').

Mbaye tested the opposition keeper just before the break, but it was the Hérault captain who won the battle (42'), before Mayulu finally broke the deadlock. After a neat one-two with Zaïre-Emery, Mayulu unleashed a missile that ripped through the opposition goal to give Paris the lead (0-1, 44').

After the break, the Parisians pressed high and were quickly rewarded. Mbaye was perfectly placed between the lines on the right, and his pull-back found Ramos, whose side-footed shot took a slight deflection and ended up in the back of the net (0-2, 49').

The opposition defence broke down, and cracked again shortly afterwards when Doué broke into the area and won a penalty, which Ramos coolly converted (0-3, 59'). The home side responded and managed to get a goal back on the counter-attack, Coulibaly winning his duel with Tenas (1-3, 64').

But the Parisians responded immediately after a long clearance by Tenas. Gonçalo Ramos controlled the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the area, turned and fired a wonderful shot into the top corner of Lecomte's net (1-4, 65').

Despite the big lead, Luis Enrique's men continued to apply pressure, with Mbaye unleashing a powerful shot that Lecomte did his best to keep out (79').

There were a few more chances from both sides, but the score remained the same. Les Rouge et Bleu are back to winning ways in the league, with a week to go before the final round of fixtures and the visit of Auxerre. They will then be turning their attention to two important fixtures, the Coupe de France final against Reims on 24 May, and the UEFA Champions League final against Inter on 31 May.