Paris keep up the pressure

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Paris Saint-Germain came out on top at Strasbourg on Saturday evening by 4-1 and get back to winning ways, before hosting Bayern next Tuesday at the Parc des Princes.

Between two legs of the Champions League quarter-finals, Mauricio Pochettino opted to rotate... To the extent possible! With an impressive starting eleven, Les Parisiens wanted to leave the defeat against Lille behind them and reduce the gap between them and Les Dogues, who had won at Metz on Friday evening. 

Les Parisiens quickly got up to speed and had the first chance of the encounter. Pablo Sarabia struck with his left foot but his effort crept over Sels' bar (7'). Set on his way by Paredes, Bakker sent in a cross-shot which Sels turned away at the foot of his near post just a few minutes later (12'). Les Rouge et Bleu were rewarded for their early efforts shortly after, when Mbappé took on two opponents in the box, cut onto his left foot and struck powerfully from an impossible angle, finding the back of the net (0-1, 16').

Mbappé and Kean pushed and constantly troubled the Strasbourg defence. Spaces opened up and Sarabia took full advantage in order to score his side's second goal, after some smart work from Danilo. The Spaniard turned smartly towards goal and sent Mats Sels the wrong way with a low effort. Paris were on the right tracks (0-2, 27'). Kean brought the first half to a close with another goal after a perfect ball from Mbappé. The Italian international shot at goal first time and left the keeper with absolutely no chance, from a very tight angle  (0-3, 44').

Sahi managed to reduce the visitors' lead on the hour mark, with an impressive volley past Rico, who had come on to replace Navas at the break (1-3, 62'). Prcic then left Les Parisiens with their hearts in their mouths, but put a little too much into his strike, which just slipped past the post (70'). Minutes later after a foul on Mbappé, Paredes stepped up to ease any nerves as he converted a marvellous free-kick with his right foot (1-4, 78'). The victory was secured, the three points head home to Paris, and Les Rouge et Bleu get back on the wheel of Les Lillois, for a title race that remains as pulsating as ever.