Brazilian star Endrick scores and assists as Lyon beat PSG 2-1, tightening the Ligue 1 title race and boosting their own Champions League hopes
BRAZILIAN prodigy Endrick was the decisive figure as Olympique Lyonnais secured a vital 2-1 away victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
The win at the Parc des Princes significantly dents the reigning champions’ bid for another Ligue 1 title.
Endrick gave Lyon an early lead in the seventh minute, beating goalkeeper Matvey Safonov at his near post. The teenager then turned provider to release Afonso Moreira, who doubled the advantage on 18 minutes.
PSG, who rested several stars after their midweek Champions League triumph over Liverpool, were far from their best. Goncalo Ramos had a penalty saved before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia grabbed a late consolation in stoppage time.
The result marks a fifth league defeat this season for Luis Enrique’s side. They remain one point ahead of nearest challengers Lens, who beat Toulouse 3-2, but have a game in hand.
A win in their rearranged fixture against Nantes would extend their lead to four points with five matches remaining. “You want a more close-fought league and you have it,” said Luis Enrique.
“Lens keep winning and it will be difficult until the end. That’s football and now we just need to prepare for the upcoming games.”
For Lyon, the victory is a huge boost in their quest to return to the Champions League after a six-year absence. Paulo Fonseca’s side are now joint-third on 54 points with Lille.
“Endrick was decisive but I am especially happy with how hard he worked defensively,” said Fonseca. The on-loan Real Madrid forward has now scored seven goals for Lyon since arriving in January.
The top three teams qualify directly for next season’s Champions League. Fourth place enters the third qualifying round, while fifth and sixth go into the Europa League and Conference League respectively.
In other matches, Rennes beat Strasbourg 3-0 to sit one point behind Lyon and Lille. Marseille lost 2-0 at Lorient, while Monaco drew 2-2 with Auxerre.
Earlier, USA striker Folarin Balogun scored in an eighth consecutive Ligue 1 game for Monaco. His penalty helped salvage a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Auxerre.
