Champions PSG Edge Past European-Chasing Nice with Early Goals

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-1 victory over Nice, marking their fourth win in the last five head-to-head encounters, despite Nice being one of the few teams to defeat them in the league this season.

Nice came into the match knowing that two victories would secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) next season. Their determination was evident from the start, as Khephren Thuram dispossessed Warren Zaïre-Emery in a dangerous area but struck the post with his effort.

PSG quickly took control of the ball, and 18 minutes in, Bradley Barcola capitalized on Jordan Lotomba’s mistake. Barcola linked up with Fabian Ruiz before curling his shot past Marcin Bulka to open the scoring.

Just five minutes later, Barcola turned provider. He effortlessly bypassed Lotomba and set up Yoram Zague, who scored his first goal for PSG on his 18th birthday.

Live football scores delivered to you.

Despite PSG’s dominant spell, Nice’s wingers looked threatening. When Dante intercepted Marquinhos’ pass, Jeremie Boga and Mohamed-Ali Cho combined effectively, with Cho scoring his first league goal of the season past Arnau Tenas.

Boga and Terem Moffi found themselves in promising positions but were thwarted by last-ditch interventions from Tenas and Marquinhos. Morgan Sanson also missed a chance, firing over before halftime.

Les Parisiens controlled the tempo in the early stages of the second half. However, Lucas Beraldo failed to connect with Goncalo Ramos after a promising run.

Nice’s manager Francesco Farioli made a double substitution before the hour mark, and soon after, Gaëtan Laborde delivered a dangerous cross that Warren Zaïre-Emery courageously cleared ahead of Thuram.

Laborde then had the best chance to equalize after pressing Tenas and Fabian, but his rushed shot was saved.

Nice’s hopes were further dashed when Melvin Bard was sent off for a cynical foul on Barcola, who was through on goal, with 15 minutes remaining.

Despite being down to 10 men, Nice continued to push forward. Hicham Boudaoui had a good chance but headed wide from a promising position. PSG managed to hold on, ending their run of four consecutive matches without a win across all competitions.

This victory also snapped Nice’s five-game unbeaten streak and dashed their UCL hopes. However, Les Aiglons will still compete in the UEFA Europa League for the first time since the 2020/21 season.

Paris Saint-Germain’s win reaffirms their dominance in Ligue 1, while Nice must now shift their focus to making the most of their upcoming Europa League campaign.