Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) wrapped up an impressive weekend, further cementing its path towards a historic 13th title in the French league. On Sunday, PSG triumphed over their closest rivals, Marseille, with a 3-1 victory, thereby stretching their lead to a commanding 19 points with only eight games left to play. This victory in the significant “Le Classique” rivalry followed PSG’s momentous exit of Liverpool from the Champions League earlier in the week.
The rivalry between PSG and Marseille, branded as “Le Classique,” gained prominence during the 1990s amidst Marseille’s dominance. However, Marseille has struggled to keep pace following PSG’s acquisition by Qatari investors in 2011. This latest win prolongs PSG’s unbeaten league streak against Marseille, with nine matches now without defeat. PSG, unbeaten this season in the league, maintained control and took the lead early in the match. Ousmane Dembélé capitalized on a clever play by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Fabian Ruiz, ultimately bypassing Marseille’s goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli to score his 21st league goal of the season.
Dembélé has been unstoppable this year, contributing 22 goals across all competitions for PSG in 2025, the highest among players in Europe’s big five leagues. His skill was also pivotal when PSG overcame Liverpool 1-0 on Tuesday, advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals via a penalty shootout.
Despite falling behind, Marseille maintained pressure with high pressing, generating several chances and corners in the first half. However, PSG doubled their advantage just before halftime when Achraf Hakimi found Ruiz, who assisted Nuno Mendes to secure their second goal. Marseille managed to score in the second half after a careless back pass by Mendes was intercepted by Adrien Rabiot, allowing Amine Gouiri to complete the move.
Although Dembélé came close again by hitting the post, and an attempt by Warren Zaïre-Emery was thwarted by Rulli, Marseille’s chances of a resurgence were effectively dashed when Pol Lirola accidentally scored an own goal attempting to clear a cross from Hakimi at the 76-minute mark.
Meanwhile, the match between Montpellier and Saint-Etienne was abruptly halted when a stand fire broke out following flares being thrown by the Montpellier supporters; the match was stopped with Montpellier trailing 2-0. The fire incident left players off the field and fans damaging the venue, with the game ceasing permanently for safety concerns. Montpellier might face harsh repercussions as a consequence. Saint-Etienne is just above them in the rankings with Montpellier languishing at the bottom.
At Lyon, substitutes showcased game-changing performances in their 4-2 comeback win against Le Havre. Malick Fofana and Georges Mikautadze significantly influenced the victory. After being substituted in the 77th minute, Mikautadze scored one goal and provided two assists. Fofana, who replaced Ernest Nuamah, tied the match courtesy of an assist from Mikautadze. Mikautadze then scored shortly after.
Thiago Almada scored the fourth goal in extra time for Lyon following another successful setup by Mikautadze. Earlier, Lyon had taken the lead through Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty score. Le Havre initially equalized with a penalty from Abdoulaye Toure, and Josue Casimir edged them ahead just before halftime. Lyon’s triumph places them fifth on the table, narrowly two points shy of a coveted direct Champions League position. Meanwhile, Le Havre remains in 16th, fighting to avoid relegation.
In other matches, Brest and Reims concluded their game at 0-0, while Strasbourg secured a close 2-1 victory over Toulouse.
