Ousmane Dembele scored twice as PSG beat Lille 3-0 at the Parc des Princes, returning the defending champions to the top of Ligue 1.
Paris Saint-Germain returned to the top of Ligue 1 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lille. The defending champions delivered a clinical display at the Parc des Princes. Ousmane Dembele scored twice to settle a high-profile contest. Bradley Barcola added a late third to complete the win.
The result moved PSG onto 42 points after 18 matches. They sit two points clear of Lens, who still have a game in hand. Lille remain fourth on 32 points. The visitors were left frustrated after a promising opening spell.
Lille almost stunned the hosts inside two minutes. Olivier Giroud struck the crossbar after the ball dropped kindly in the box. Lucas Chevalier then reacted quickly to smother Ethan Mbappe’s rebound. It was a sharp warning for PSG.
That scare sparked a response from the home side. PSG began to press higher and circulate the ball faster. Their first shot of the match brought the opening goal. It arrived in ruthless fashion.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute. Fabian Ruiz won possession in a dangerous area. Vitinha quickly fed Dembele on the edge of the box. The forward drilled a low strike in off the left post.
It was a moment of quality that shifted momentum. PSG grew in confidence after taking the lead. Lille struggled to regain their early rhythm. The hosts controlled possession for the remainder of the half.
PSG pushed for a second before the break. Nuno Mendes fired over from a promising position. Desire Doue also went close with a curling effort. Despite the pressure, Lille stayed within touching distance.
After the restart, the pattern remained similar. PSG dominated territory and Lille found it hard to create clear chances. The game cried out for a decisive moment.
That moment arrived shortly after the hour mark. Doue picked out Dembele inside the area. Surrounded by defenders, he shifted the ball onto his left foot. He then lifted a sublime lob over Berke Ozer.
The goal drained belief from the visitors. PSG played with freedom after that strike. Lille’s resistance faded as space began to open. The hosts looked dangerous on every transition.
PSG were not finished. In the third minute of stoppage time, Barcola added gloss to the scoreline. He capitalised on a lapse from Aissa Mandi inside the box. The winger kept his composure and slotted home.
It capped a convincing night for Luis Enrique’s side. PSG ended with 13 shots to Lille’s seven. Expected goals favoured the hosts by 1.32 to 0.78. Dembele’s brace came from difficult chances.
Dembele was the clear difference between the sides. His two goals showcased confidence and technique. Doue also impressed with his energy and creativity. He led the match for shots, dribbles, and duels won.
PSG’s midfield kept control after a nervy start. Lille competed bravely but lacked precision in attack. Giroud’s early chance proved their best moment. After that, openings were rare.
PSG now turn their focus to maintaining pressure at the top. Lens play Auxerre next, with the chance to respond. PSG face another demanding league fixture in midweek when they travel to Portugal to play Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Lille will look to regroup as they chase a Champions League place. Their next fixture is a Europa League tie against Celta Vigo on Thursday before taking on Strasbourg next weekend.
