Published: 09:45, September 2, 2024
PSG cruise to 3-1 win at Lille to maintain perfect start
By Reuters
Lille's Edon Zhegrova runs with the ball pursued by PSG's Lucas Beraldo (left) during the French League 1 soccer match between Lille and Paris Saint-Germain, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, Sept 1, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

First-half strikes from Vitinha and Bradley Barcola and a late Randal Kolo Muani goal earned Paris St Germain a 3-1 win at Lille on Sunday to maintain their perfect start to the Ligue 1 season.

Vitinha opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute following a foul by Lille's Alexsandro Ribeiro on Ousmane Dembele.

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Barcola doubled the lead just three minutes later, striking at the far post after a counter attack to continue his fine form with his fourth goal of the season.

Lille improved after the break and Edon Zhegrova pulled one back with a long-range effort 12 minutes from time before Tiago Santos thought he had equalized, his goal disallowed for offside.

PSG's Randal Kolo Muani heads the ball to score his side's third goal during the French League 1 soccer match between Lille and Paris Saint-Germain, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, Sept 1, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

The hosts kept pushing for a late equaliser but Kolo Muani sealed the win for the reigning champions with a towering header in added time.

PSG reached nine points to lead the standings with an early two-point gap over Marseille, second on goal difference level on points with Nantes, AS Monaco and Lens.

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"It was a very important game for us against a team who play at the top of the table," PSG captain Marquinhos told DAZN.

"They really push the team here. At 2-0 up they kept pushing forward, they never gave up. It was a good test for us because it was between two teams who are playing in Europe.

"Points like that make all the difference at the end of a league campaign," the defender added.