In addition to beating Paris FC and moving back ahead of PSG, Lens bolstered its goal differential Saturday night and nearly closed the gap on the Parisian club in that category.
The 22nd round of Ligue 1 is one to forget for PSG. In addition to losing 3-1 at Rennes Friday night, PSG lost its place at the top of the standings following RC Lens' resounding 5-0 win at Paris FC on Saturday night. Two braces from Wesley Said and Rayan Fofana, plus a penalty from Florian Thauvin, allowed Lens to win big and move back ahead of PSG in the standings, with a one-point lead.
If Marseille was held to a draw again Saturday by Strasbourg (2-2) after leading 2-0, Lens is more than ever PSG's main competitor in the title race. Lyon, which could move within six points of PSG and seven of Lens with a win Sunday night against Nice, is not to be dismissed but is still a bit far back.
In its long-distance duel with Lens, PSG recorded another "defeat" during the 22nd round as Lens closed to within just five goals in terms of goal differential. Before this 22nd round, PSG had a goal difference of +32, compared to only +20 for Lens, but this Sunday, PSG sits at +30 while Lens is now at +25 thanks to its weekend rout.
A factor that could matter at the end of the season, even if much can happen between now and then. It is worth noting that PSG no longer has the best defense in Ligue 1 this Sunday as Luis Enrique's team has conceded 19 goals, compared to only 17 for Lens. PSG remains, however, the league's best attack with 49 goals scored, compared to 48 for Marseille and 42 for Lens.
Ligue 1 standings after the 22nd round:
- Lens: 52 points (+25)
- PSG: 51 points (+30)
- Lyon: 45 points (+14)
- Marseille: 40 points (+19)
- Lille: 34 points (+4)
- Rennes: 34 points (-1)
During the 23rd round of Ligue 1, scheduled for next weekend between the two Champions League playoff legs against Monaco, PSG will host Metz (18th) on Saturday night at Parc des Princes.
Earlier, Lens will host Monaco at Bollaert starting at 5 p.m. Marseille will travel to Brest on Friday night, while Lyon will visit Strasbourg in the round's finale on Sunday.
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