PSG 5-0 Marseille: Dembélé shines as PSG run riot in Le Classique

One of the most anticipated game of the Ligue 1 season is set to start between two of the biggest rivals in France with PSG hosting Marseille in the third Classique of the season at the Parc des Princes.

In the latest clash between the two sides led respectively by Roberto De Zerbi and Luis Enrique, Paris prevailed in the Trophée des Champions following a dramatic penalty shootout. Earlier in the season, Marseille edged Paris 1-0 at the Stade Vélodrome thanks to a Marquinhos' own goal.

For this game, Luis Enrique will have to do without several key players, including Fabian Ruiz, Quentin Ndjantou and Achraf Hakimi who is suspended. Meanwhile, Matvey Safonov is once again the one starting between the post, while Warren Zaire-Emery slot back in full-back. Additionally, Senny Mayulu is chosen to start in midfield alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Warren Zaire-Emery; Senny Mayulu, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Doué, Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé.

Marseille's starting XI: De Lange; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Weah, Timber, Hojberg, Emerson; Greenwood, Nwaneri, Gouiri.

PSG outclassed Marseille in Le Classique

The first half chance of the night came after a great collective move from the hosts coming from their backline, however, Désiré Doué's effort was defelected by Medina giving to PSG their first corner of the game.

After 12 minutes, Ousmane Dembélé opened the score for PSG perfectly served by Nuno Mendes for the easy tap in from close range (12'). Just before, Vitinha avoided a red card for an uncontrolled tackle on Marseille's captain Leonardo Balerdi.

Following the opener, the rhythm of the game dropped as both sides proved to be extremely organised. Nonetheless, PSG managed to create clear cut chances mostly through fastbreaks while Marseille tried to build from the back. Just before the half, Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d'Or made it 2-0 for PSG after a stunning solo effort for his second goal of the night (38'). The Frenchman scored his 50th goal for Paris in great fashion against PSG's biggest rivals.

At the beginning of the second half, Doué came close to add to Paris' lead but was denied by De Lange's right post (49'). Shortly after, The former Rennes player was inches away from making it 3-0 for the hosts but failed to connect with the ball on Nuno Mendes' low cross.

Paris' third goal came from a mistake of Marseille's defence as Facundo Medina deflected Joao Neves' cross into his own net (64'). Shortly, substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored an outstanding goal to make 4-0 for the hosts (66').

Substitute Lee Kang-In added his name to the scoresheet with Paris' fifth goal of the night symbol of their complete domination over the game (74').

Up next, Paris will travel to Brittany and face Stade Rennais at the Roazhon Park on Matchday 22 of Ligue 1 McDonald's, Friday evening.