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Paris easily beat Toulouse 1-0 ahead of Champions League second leg

Paris easily defeated Toulouse FC 1-0 on Matchday 22 of the Ligue 1 McDonald's. The only goal of the game came through Fabian Ruiz at the start of the second half.

ByAlan Mezoela|
Désiré Doué and Fabian Ruiz celebrating after PSG's opener against Toulouse
Désiré Doué and Fabian Ruiz celebrating after PSG's opener against Toulouse | VALENTINE CHAPUIS/GettyImages

Three days after their probant 3-0 Champions League victory over Stade Brestois, PSG travelled to Toulouse looking to maintain their unbeaten record.

Ahead of this game, Luis Enrique decided to leave Gianluigi Donnarumma at home, giving his starting goalkeeper some rest, with Safonov taking place between the post for Paris. Furthermore, club captain Marquinhos was left on the bench ahead of their second leg against Brest on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov ; Beraldo, Pacho, Hernandez, Achraf Hakimi (cap.); Fabian Ruiz, Mayulu, Kang-In Lee; Doué, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola.

Toulouse starting XI: Restes ; Akdag, Cresswell, Canvot; Donnum, Sierro, Casseres, Suazo; Babicka, Aboukhlal, Magri.

Toulouse vs PSG:

Though the hosts started of the game well, creating many chances through Babicka in the first 10 minutes of the game, Paris quickly took control of the game, putting Toulouse on the back foot. Despite their dominant ball possession, Luis Enrique’s side struggled to threaten Restes, as they faced a well-organised Toulouse team that remained compact defensively and exploited counterattacks effectively against Les Rouges et Bleus.

Barcola and Beraldo came close to open the score for Paris but Restes provided two important saves to keep both teams level. Just before half-time, the French Under-21 goalkeeper left the game through an apparent thigh injury. Both teams went into the break with Paris increasing the pressure on the hosts.

The hosts came out strong in the second half, creating many chances, with Safonov producing a couple of saves. However, it was the French champions who opened the score through Fabian Ruiz (52'), the Spaniard found himself at the receiving end of Pacho header that bounced off the crossbar.

Later, Doué missed a golden opportunity to double his side’s lead, with his shot striking the post. The opportunity came following a well-developed play from Paris' players. After numerous substitutions on both sides, the intensity of the game notably dropped in the final 30 minutes. Paris cruised to victory in the last 15 minutes of the game. Luis Enrique was able to rest key players in the second half ahead of their mid-week Champions League clash.

Paris remains the undisputed leader of the league, holding a 10-point advantage over Marseille.

Up next, Paris Saint-Germain will face Stade Brestois for the second leg of the Champions League playoff on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes. After a probant 3-0 victory last Tuesday, Paris have a comfortable advantage.

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