PSG stay atop Ligue 1 despite Reims draw, as Marseille close the gap on points

PSG's draw at Reims has proven to be a poor result in the standings, as both of PSG’s closest rivals won this Sunday. Despite this, Paris remain at the top.

The Parisians' performance at Reims wasn’t particularly exciting, but the draw in Champagne turned out to be a bad outcome in the Ligue 1 standings, as PSG lost the lead they held during this fifth matchday, which could have worked in their favour. As it stands, PSG are still top of Ligue 1, but only on goal difference, which has now narrowed.

On Sunday, PSG might have hoped that Le Havre would cause trouble for Monaco: the Normans, quickly trailing, equalised and even led for a few seconds before a goal was ruled out for offside by mere millimetres. Monaco seized their chance, with a stellar performance from Ben Seghir, winning the match (3-1). As a result, Monaco now have 13 points, the same as Paris.

But PSG’s main hope was for Marseille not to win at Lyon, always a tricky away fixture. Reduced to ten men after just five minutes, Marseille resisted Lyon’s usual penalty tactic, Lacazette’s effort was saved by Rulli, but conceded a goal to their former player, Caleta-Car.

However, Marseille managed to equalise through Lirola and then took the lead via Garcia, with Lyon’s defence in shambles. Cherki thought he had secured a point for OL in the 94th minute, but OM snatched victory immediately after through Rowe (3-2). Like PSG and Monaco, OM also have 13 points.

After this fifth matchday of Ligue 1, the top three teams are level on points, with PSG leading on goal difference, though Monaco have closed the gap.

Ligue 1 standings after MD5:

1. PSG: 13 points (+13)
2. OM: 13 points (+9)
3. Monaco: 13 points (+8)
4. Lens: 9 points (+3)
5. Nantes: 8 points (+4)

On the next matchday, PSG will host Rennes, Monaco will welcome Montpellier, and Marseille will travel to Strasbourg.