Ousmane Dembélé netted a decisive second-half goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Paris Saint-Germain over local rivals Paris FC at the Parc des Princes.
This match marked only the third encounter between the two clubs in Ligue 1, with their previous meeting ending in a 1-1 draw back in 1978.
Dembélé struck just moments after Paris FC equalized with a penalty from Willem Geubbels in the 51st minute, reacting quickly to a deflected shot to restore PSG’s lead.
PSG had initially gone ahead with a goal from Desire Doue just before halftime and maintained their composure to secure the win, inching closer to Ligue 1 leaders Lens, now just one point behind.
Entering the match without a win in five games, Paris FC struggled to challenge PSG’s defense throughout most of the first half.
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp made saves against both Senny Mayulu and Fabián Ruiz in the opening half-hour, with Doue and João Neves also coming close to scoring. Vitinha saw a shot go wide as PSG controlled the play.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock on the cusp of halftime when Jonathan Ikoné lost possession in midfield, allowing Ruiz to feed Doue, who struck the opener from just inside the area.
After a rare attacking move from Paris FC at the start of the second half, Alimami Gory was fouled by Illia Zabarnyi, resulting in a penalty that Geubbels converted, equalizing for the visitors.
However, the celebration for Paris FC was short-lived as PSG swiftly countered. Warren Zaïre-Emery set up Dembélé on the right, where his curling shot took a deflection, leaving Trapp stranded.
Bradley Barcola might have increased the lead, but PSG chose to manage the game and run down the clock as Paris FC struggled to create further chances.
The visitors’ best opportunity came after the introduction of the lively Vincent Marchetti, who tested keeper Chevalier with a low shot followed by a volley that the keeper saved comfortably.
The two teams will face off again on January 12 in the round of 32 of the French Cup.
This recap includes information from PA.