Ousmane Dembélé scored twice, including a stunning volley, as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Toulouse 3-1 on Friday to strengthen their grip at the top of Ligue 1 ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in spectacular fashion midway through the first half, volleying home from the edge of the box. However, Toulouse responded just four minutes later after a costly error from goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who failed to deal with a corner that Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen headed in.
PSG quickly regained control, with Dembélé restoring the lead in the 33rd minute, finishing from close range after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s knockdown from a corner. Substitute Gonçalo Ramos sealed the victory in stoppage time with a low strike from distance.
The win ensures Luis Enrique’s side remain top of the table, four points clear of second-placed Lens, who face Lille on Saturday. PSG also have a game in hand, with their trip to Lens next weekend postponed to allow extra preparation time for their European clash.
The French champions host Liverpool in the first leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday before travelling to Anfield for the return leg on April 14, as they bid to retain their Champions League crown.
Despite their European ambitions, PSG remain firmly on course for a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title and a 12th in 14 seasons.
Toulouse, meanwhile, sit mid-table, with their focus shifting to the French Cup semi-final against Lens on April 21.
AFP
