Lyon 2 - 3 PSG: Paris Hold Off Late Lyon Surge

Paris Saint-Germain travelled to the Groupama Stadium to face Lyon, a game that club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi will not attend amid tension with John Textor, Lyon club owner. The French Champions remain unbeaten in the league across 22 games and seem untouchable for the rest of the league. However, Lyon still hope to inflict their first loss of the season to Luis Enrique and his team.

For this game, the Spaniard opted for Marquinhos and Beraldo as his centre backs, with Willian Pacho starting the game on the bench. Additionally, Doue will earn a start in the midfield while Fabian Ruiz is rested following their probant 7-0 victory over Brest in the Champions League playoff.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI:Donnarumma; Marquinhos (cap.), Beraldo, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi; Doué, Joao Neves, Vitinha; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Barcola.

Olympique Lyonnais starting XI: Lucas Perri; Mata, Niakhaté, Kumbedi, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Matic, Tolisso, Nuamah; Cherki, Fofana.

OL vs PSG: Paris Hold Off Late Lyon Surge

In this clash between these two French giants, it was Paris through Ousmane Dembélé who created the first big chance. The in-form Frenchman went around Lyon goalkeeper Perri and aimed for the empty goal, however, Mata delivered an incredible goal-line clearance to keep both teams level at the 13th minute of the game.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came close to score a wonderful goal, after dribbling past several Lyon defenders in the box, his shot went wide of Perri's left post (26'). Just moments later, Dembélé led a blistering counterattack but saw his effort being blocked by Niakhaté.

The end of the first half saw Paris dominating on the ball and creating chances against a well-organised Lyon side that remained compact defensively. Both teams went into the half-time break level with the hosts looking increasingly more threatening.

Thirty seconds into the second half, Kvaratskhelia saw his long-range effort saved by Lyon keeper. Less than 10 minutes in the half, Achraf Hakimi put his side on top in this game. The Morocco international found himself at the receiving end of a cross from Barcola and slotted it home (53').

Just before the hour mark, Ousmane Dembélé scored his 20th league goal of the season to give a 2-0 advantage to his side. The 27-year-old placed his shot into the top right corner of Perri's goal following a great combination with Kvaratskhelia (59'). It was Dembélé's 30th goal with PSG across his first 18-month at the club, his 24th this season.

Rayan Cherki made it 2-1 for the hosts, after a remarkable move started by Almada, with less than 10 minutes left into this game, Lyon restored their hopes in this game(83'). However, less than two minutes later, Hakimi scored his second goal of the night, landing a devastating blow to any fightback hopes for the hosts (85').

With the end of the game fast approaching, Donnarumma delivered an incredible double save to prevent Mikautadze then Maitland-Niles to cut into their lead. Moments later, Tolisso scored a thumping header on Donnarumma's near post.

While substitute Fabian Ruiz went out injured, Paris ended the game down to 10 men with Lyon launching an all-out attack on Donnarumma's goal. However, it wasn't enough and Luis Enrique and his side came out victorious of the clash.

Up next, Les Parisiens will travel to the Roazhon Park to face lower-tier side Stade Briochin in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France on February, 26th.