Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Lille at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, March 1, extending their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 to 24 matches.
The comprehensive win comes just days before their much-anticipated Champions League clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The hosts wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Bradley Barcola opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier could only parry Ousmane Dembélé’s strike into Barcola’s path, allowing the winger to slot home the rebound.
PSG captain Marquinhos doubled the lead shortly after, rising above the Lille defense to head in a precise cross from Désiré Doué.
Dembélé, who has been in scintillating form this season, added a third goal in the 28th minute. The French international drilled a powerful shot past Chevalier, bringing his tally to a league-leading 18 goals for the campaign.
Doué, who had already assisted Marquinhos, capped off an impressive first-half performance by scoring PSG’s fourth goal, effectively putting the match beyond Lille’s reach before the break.
Lille managed to pull one back late in the game through substitute Jonathan David. The Canadian international found the net after a defensive lapse by PSG, offering a brief moment of relief for the visitors. However, it was too little, too late to challenge the Ligue 1 leaders, who are now 16 points clear at the top of the table.
Marquinhos, reflecting on the victory, emphasized the importance of momentum heading into the Champions League. “It’s a perfect scenario ahead of a game like the one against Liverpool,” the PSG captain said.
“We’re in great shape and all the signs are good. We’re winning and we’re full of confidence. We must not stop, and the staff are pushing us hard to give it our all.”
Manager Luis Enrique also expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the value of a strong showing ahead of the European fixture.
The Spanish coach fielded a near full-strength side, likely offering a preview of the lineup set to face Liverpool on Wednesday.
Lille, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday. Despite the defeat, Lille coach Paulo Fonseca insisted that his side would take valuable lessons from the match.
For PSG, the focus now shifts entirely to Liverpool. The Premier League leaders, who enjoyed a rare weekend off, will pose the Parisians’ toughest challenge this season.
With their attacking unit firing on all cylinders and confidence soaring, PSG will hope to carry their domestic form into Europe’s elite competition.
As Marquinhos noted, the result against Lille may not have been intended as a statement, but it certainly serves as a warning to Liverpool of the firepower PSG possesses.
The upcoming Champions League battle promises to be a thrilling contest between two of Europe’s most formidable sides.
