Ousmane Dembélé's brace secures 2-1 win over relegation threatened St-Etienne

Following their 13th success in Trophée des Champions against AS Monaco, Paris officially start the second half of the league as they welcome relegation threatened Saint-Etienne to the Parc des Princes. On this occasion, Luis Enrique chose to make a lot of chances in his starting XI.

Due to an injury picked up in training before the game, club captain Marquinhos will not take part in this game, while Bradley Barcola makes his return in the starting line-up after a short spell on the bench.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Donnarumma; Nuno Mendes, Hernandez, Beraldo, Hakimi (cap.); Senny Mayulu, Kang-In Lee, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Dembélé, Gonçalo Ramos.

Saint-Etienne's starting XI: Larsonneur(cap.); Petrot, Nade, Batubinsika, Appiah; Ekwah, Mouton, Bouchouari; Cafaro, Stassin, Davitashvili.

PSG vs St-Etienne: Ousmane Dembélé's brace secures 2-1 win over relegation threatened St-Etienne

Through their Georgian international, Davitashvili, relegation threatened St-Etienne produced the first shot attempt of the game, a shot remarkably saved by Donnarumma at his first post (1'). Just a few moment later, Stassin enjoyed a misplaced pass from Mendes to serve Davitashvili for a 1-vs-1 situation against Donnarumma but the Georgian squandered the chance pressured by Beraldo's return.

In a very open and entertaining game, Ousmane Dembélé opened the score for Paris as St-Etienne will regret their many chances not converted. The French winger left foot effort proved to be unstoppable for Larsonneur as Dembélé proved he is in great form once again (13'). Kang-In Lee's long range attempt came close to give a bit of cushion to his side but was denied by Les Verts' keeper.

Despite PSG's advantage on the scoreboard, both teams offered entertainment in the first 15 minutes of the game. Following a VAR check, Petrot's handball in his box gave a perfect opportunity to PSG and Dembélé to score their second goal of the evening (23'). The former Barcelona player has now reach double figures in scoring this season with his 10th goal of the season, tying Barcola's tally in the league.

A wonderful through ball from Mayulu sent Barcola in a 1-vs-1 situation but the Frenchman was saved by Larsonneur's foot preventing his side his 11th goal of the season. Just a few moments later, the former Lyon player saw his goal disallowed after a foul in the build-up.

Both sides went into the half-time interval as St-Etienne's bright start was ruined by Dembélé's brace.

With Paris holding a commanding lead over Les Verts, the tempo of the game dropped significantly as Luis Enrique's men enjoyed a large ball possession with St-Etienne's opportunities on Donnarumma's goal became scarce. Nonetheless, Davitashvili reduced his side deficit on a free-kick just outside the box, reviving St-Etienne's hopes in this game with his sixth goal of the season (64').

Dembélé's first half brace proved to be enough for Paris as they faced a solid St-Etienne side who aim to avoid relegation and stay in the elite of French football next season.