Paris come out on top at Nice and get back to winning ways!

At the heart of a palpitating final sprint, our Parisians knew that every bend would count as they looked to hold onto top spot in the league. Particularly given the speed with which RC Lens were travelling behind them. And to get back to winning ways, what better than a battle for the top? On Saturday evening, the club from the capital travelled to Nice, to take on a team that hadn't lost a match in three months. For this dangerous encounter, Christophe Galtier was boosted by the return of Sergio Ramos to the starting eleven, while captain Marquinhos was celebrating his 400th appearance in Paris colours. 

The start of the match demonstrated both sides' intentions. Les Aiglons looked to press high up the pitch, while our Parisians needed to show personality to avoid the trap laid by their hosts, and were quickly forced to make a change to replace Renato Sanches, due to injury (9'). And our Rouge et Bleu did just that as the looked to accelerate to victory! Leo Messi tried his luck on several occasions from distance, before the Portuguese duo connected, with an inch-perfect cross from Nuno Mendes finding Danilo, but his header crashed against the post (21'). Our Parisians had set the right tone. 

And Christophe Galtier's side's start was deservedly rewarded! An unstoppable Nuno Mendes found Leo Messi on the edge of the box and the Argentine finished perfectly into the back of the net  (0-1, 25'). A superb team move. Of course, certain periods of turbulence were to be expected. And when Les Aiglons did manage to break free, the Paris defence left them absolutely nothing, driven forward by a Marquinhos, who was constantly snuffing out danger from Thuram and Moffi.

And then, what can you say about Gigio Donnarumma? Against a home side that was upping the pressure, the goalkeeper pulled out his 'A' game, making an exceptional stop from close-range to deny Pépé (43'), and then another after a Moffi header (44'). Boosted by this lively period, Les Niçois pushed, but Gigio held on, alternating between some real hints of luck (hitting his post twice, 50' and 87') and further impressive interventions to deny a volley from Pépé (52') a strike from Ndayishimiye (59') and showing some incredible reflexes to stop Todibo's header (69'). As the game hotted up, Christophe Galtier could be reassured: the Italian's gloves were on fire on the Côte d’Azur on Saturday!

The only thing that was missing was a killer blow to ensure the three points would return to the capital! It came from Sergio Ramos, who rose the highest in the box to turn home! (0-2, 75'). The perfect opportunity for Leo Messi to further strengthen his position at the top of the assists tally, with 14 assists now to his name. The score remained as it was. With this precious victory in the bag, Paris Saint-Germain took their lead over Racing Club de Lens to six points. And Les Parisiens will come up against their closest chaser next weekend in a battle for the top...