Joao Neves scored a stoppage-time header to give PSG a 3-2 win over Lyon, sending Luis Enrique’s side back to the top of Ligue 1.
Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1 with a dramatic 3-2 win over Lyon at Groupama Stadium. Joao Neves’ stoppage-time header sealed a vital victory for Luis Enrique’s depleted side after a pulsating five-goal contest.
Despite injuries to Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes, PSG started strongly. Warren Zaire-Emery opened the scoring in the 26th minute, latching onto Vitinha’s through ball and rifling high into the roof of the net.
Lyon hit back almost immediately. Afonso Moreira raced onto Moussa Niakhate’s long pass and finished past Lucas Chevalier to make it 1-1. But PSG restored their lead seven minutes later as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalised on a midfield error, slotting calmly into the far corner.
After the break, Lyon showed renewed intent and were rewarded for their persistence. Former Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a stunning lob from distance in the 50th minute, catching Chevalier off his line to level the match again.
The hosts nearly took the lead soon after when Nicolas Tagliafico struck the post. However, Lyon’s night turned sour deep into stoppage time when Tagliafico received a second yellow card for a foul on Vitinha, leaving his team down to ten men.
Just two minutes later, PSG made their advantage count. Lee Kang-In delivered a precise corner, and Neves rose unmarked to head in from six yards, sparking wild celebrations among the visitors.
The match had everything: goals, controversy, and late drama. Neves’ header was the highlight, but Vitinha’s influence stood out as well. The Portuguese midfielder assisted PSG’s first two goals and was instrumental in controlling midfield.
Zaire-Emery’s opener made him the first player born in 2006 or later to score six Ligue 1 goals. Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia’s composed finish marked his first domestic league strike this season.
For Lyon, Maitland-Niles impressed with his work rate and technique, while Moreira continued to show promise on the left wing. Despite the defeat, Jorge Maciel’s side matched PSG for much of the game and were undone only by late indiscipline and tired legs.
PSG enjoyed 72% possession, registering nine shots same as Lyon. The champions’ xG stood at 1.42, compared to Lyon’s 0.69, a reflection of their greater efficiency in key moments.
The result means PSG have now scored stoppage-time winners in consecutive Ligue 1 matches, following Goncalo Ramos’ late strike against Nice last week. Lyon, on the other hand, have lost their last five league meetings with PSG and have now received four red cards this season.
The win lifts PSG to 27 points from 12 games, two clear of Marseille and Lens. They head into the international break with momentum despite a growing injury list.
Lyon remain seventh on 20 points, seven adrift of the leaders, and will feel aggrieved after another close defeat. Both sides will resume Ligue 1 action on November 22, with PSG host to Le Havre before playing Tottenham in the Champions in midweek. Lyon travel to Auxerre before playing Maccabi Tel Aviv in Europa League.
