Lionel Messi's solitary strike guided unbeaten Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-0 win over Olympique Lyon in Ligue 1 action on Sunday night.
Ligue 1
Result: Olympique Lyon 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain
Date: 18 September 2022
Venue: Groupama Stadium
Fabian Ruiz was handed his first start for the French champions, while Achraf Hakimi returned at right-back with Vitinha and Nordi Mukiele dropping to the bench after the midweek UEFA Champions League win.The visitors got the breakthrough after just five minutes when as Neymar and Lionel Messi combined in the box, with the latter superbly finishing into the bottom corner.
Lyon did go close to levelling matters in the 21st minute when Corentin Tolisso sent a well-weighted cross to the far post, where Alexandre Lacazette was on hand to head just wide.
Gianlugi Donnarumma was called into action a few minutes later, with PSG shot-stopper pulling off fine save to keep out Karl-Toko Ekambi's powerful strike from the edge of the box.
The visitors continued to push for a second goal and went close on the stroke of halftime when Neymar's curling effort from distance was brilliantly tipped away by Anthony Lopes.
Lyon coach Peter Bosz opted for a change at the start of the second half, as Tolisso made way for 19-year-old Johann Lepenant as they looked to get back on level terms.
The hosts did manage to carve out an opening just before the hour mark when Lacazette controlled a cross from Maxence Caqueret before skipping past one challenge and seeing his strike saved by Donnarumma.
Chances continued to fall at both ends, as Neymar had an effort blocked in the box by Mendes on 79 minutes, before Lacazette glanced a header just wide of the mark at the other end.
However, Messi's early goal was enough to seal the deal for the defending champions who reclaim top spot and extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.
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