PSG 3-0 Metz: PSG secure top spot in Ligue 1 with comfortable win over Metz

Paris is facing rock-bottom side FC Metz at the Parc des Princes on Matchday 23 of Ligue 1 McDonald's. After their hard-fought 3-2 win over AS Monaco in the first leg of the Champions League Play-offs, Luis Enrique and his team have a glorious chance to take back the top spot in Ligue 1 after RC Lens' 3-2 loss to Monaco earlier today.

For this game, the Spaniard coach made seven changes to the team that defeated Monaco midweek. The most notable change is Dro Fernandez who will make his first start for PSG since joining the team in the winter transfer window. Additionally, Zabarnyi and Beraldo will be the centre-back pairing for this game while Lucas Hernandez and Achraf Hakimi complete the backline.

Furthermore, with Ousmane Dembélé recovering from an injury sustained against Monaco, Ramos will be the one leading the frontline for the European Champions.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez, Hakimi; Warren Zaire-Emery, Lee Kang-In, Dro Fernandez; Doué, Gonçalo Ramos, Barcola.

FC Metz's starting XI: Fisher; Gbamin, Yegbe, Sané, Kouao, Ballo-Touré; Traoré, Alpha Touré, Michal, Tsitaishvili; Diallo.

PSG easily defeat Metz at the Parc des Princes

Just two minutes into the game, Désiré Doué opened the score for PSG after a remarkable ball in-behind from Warren Zaire-Emery. The hosts started the game perfectly, putting Metz on the back foot from the start.

In the opening 30 minutes, the hosts were outrageously dominant and looked dangerous every time they went forward as Metz struggled heavily to contain their offensives. Additionally, Paris managed 69% ball possession in the first half while conceding zero shot in 45 minutes in what is comfortable evening so far. Just before the break, Bradley Barcola made it 2-0 for PSG, scoring his eighth goal of the season as his side appeared to cruise to victory (45').

At halftime, Doué was replaced by Ibrahim Mbaye following an injury sustained in the first half, as for Mbaye, it will be his first game for PSG in over a month. The intensity of the game significantly dropped in the second half with many changes and with Paris cruising against a powerless Metz side.

Gonçalo Ramos put the last nail in Metz coffin as made it 3-0 for PSG after a successful high press from Lucas Hernandez, the Portuguese smashed the ball past Fisher and scored his 11th goal of the season (77').

Up next, Paris will face Monaco in the second-leg of their Champions League Play-offs at the Parc des Princes. The European Champions have a one-goal advantage and will hope to keep it and qualify to the Round of 16 to defend their European crown.