Paris Saint-Germain decimated rivals Marseille with a stunning 5-0 victory at the Parc des Princes, spearheaded by an outstanding performance from Ousmane Dembélé.
This highly anticipated 'Le Classique' fixture saw second-placed PSG host fourth-placed Marseille in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter. PSG entered the match on a formidable five-game winning streak, looking to strengthen their title challenge. Marseille aimed to close the gap on the Champions League spots, but faced a tough away test.
The hosts started brightly, asserting their dominance early on. Nuno Mendes, a constant threat down the left flank, delivered a precise pass.
In the 12th minute, Dembélé opened the scoring, latching onto Mendes's pass and finishing clinically to give PSG the lead. Marseille struggled to gain a foothold in the game, often resorting to fouls to break up play.
Vitinha received an early yellow card for PSG in the 9th minute, a rare moment of indiscipline amidst their strong start. However, this did little to halt their attacking momentum.
PSG continued to press their advantage with relentless energy. Just before halftime, in the 37th minute, Dembélé doubled his personal tally, expertly converting after a superb assist from young midfielder Senny Mayulu.
The half-time whistle blew with PSG comfortably ahead by two goals. They demonstrated superior ball possession and a significant shot count, leaving Marseille's defence stretched.
Marseille needed a drastic change in strategy to turn the tide in the second half. PSG, however, looked set to maintain their relentless attacking pressure and potentially extend their lead.
The floodgates truly opened in the 64th minute. Marseille defender F. Medina inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, making it 3-0 to the home side and deepening Marseille's despair.
Just two minutes later, substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joined the party. He netted PSG's fourth goal in the 66th minute, following a brilliant assist from the electric Ousmane Dembélé. The home crowd was in raptures.
Lee Kang-In then added his name to the scoresheet, firing home in the 74th minute. Mayulu grabbed his second assist of the night, highlighting a night of prolific attacking play from PSG.
The statistics painted a clear picture of PSG's superiority. They finished with 22 total shots, with 7 on target, and boasted 58% possession. Their impressive xG of 4.14 far outstripped Marseille's meager 0.63, reflecting the gulf in class.
This emphatic 5-0 victory solidifies PSG's position in second place, maintaining pressure at the top of Ligue 1. Marseille, meanwhile, will need to regroup after a humbling defeat that significantly damages their goal difference and European aspirations.
