Paris Saint-Germain leap to top of Ligue 1 with 3-2 win at Metz thanks to goals from Ramos, Ndjantou, and substitute Desire Doué.
Paris Saint-Germain moved to the top of Ligue 1 with a hard-fought 3-2 win over struggling Metz at Stade Saint-Symphorien. Gonçalo Ramos opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a header from Lee Kang-In’s cross. Moments later, teenager Quentin Ndjantou doubled the lead, converting a low cross from Ibrahim Mbaye for his first senior goal.
Metz responded before halftime through Jessy Deminguet, who struck a fierce shot from the edge of the box. The goal gave the home side hope and set up a tense second half. PSG had to navigate a determined Metz team that aimed to disrupt their rhythm and protect their narrow lead.
Substitute Desire Doué, returning from a hamstring injury sustained in October, extended PSG’s lead in the 63rd minute. The young forward sprinted onto Mbaye’s pass and calmly finished past goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer. Doué’s composed display highlighted his importance and timing in attack despite limited match fitness.
Metz pulled one back again in the 81st minute, with Giorgi Tsitaishvili curling a strike into the top corner following a backheel from Gauthier Hein. The goal forced a frantic finish, with Metz pushing for an equalizer in the closing stages. PSG’s defence, however, held firm to secure the three points.
Ramos, Ndjantou, and Doué were the key figures in PSG’s victory, with each contributing to the decisive goals. Mbaye’s creativity on the left wing was crucial, providing both assists and dangerous runs that unsettled Metz. Despite missing several key players through injury, including Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, and Marquinhos, PSG demonstrated depth and resilience.
Metz, meanwhile, showed fight and tactical discipline but were ultimately undone by PSG’s attacking efficiency. The home side remain at the bottom of the table, unable to halt their run of defeats against the Parisians.
PSG’s expected goals (xG) of 1.74 compared to Metz’s 0.57 reflects their overall dominance, even though the final scoreline suggested a closer contest. Metz have now lost 15 consecutive Ligue 1 matches against PSG, highlighting the difficulty they face against the reigning champions.
The win lifts PSG two points above Lens, who have a chance to reclaim top spot with a win over Nice on Sunday. Luis Enrique’s side will take confidence from securing the victory despite squad limitations and strong opposition pressure.
PSG will turn their attention to their mid-week fixture against Flamengo in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The defending champions’ next Ligue 1 match on January 4th will see them host FC Paris, seeking to maintain momentum at the summit. Metz travel to Lorient on the same day as they aim to climb off the bottom of the table and secure a rare victory. Both sides face crucial fixtures that could shape the season, with PSG looking to consolidate first place and Metz battling to avoid relegation threats.
