Paris Saint-Germain secured a 3-1 victory over Le Mans in Ligue 1 on Saturday, extending their winning run to three matches ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League trip to Manchester City.
The French champions claimed all three points at the Parc des Princes despite leaving several key players on the bench as they continued their recovery from a slow start to the season.
Centre-back Lucas Beraldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half, but Le Mans restored parity nine minutes after the restart through Louis Mafouta.
PSG responded through substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who needed just two minutes after coming on to put the hosts back in front in the 61st minute.
Maghnes Akliouche then sealed the victory seven minutes later to secure a comfortable finish for the hosts.
The win lifted PSG to fifth place in the standings ahead of their trip to England to face Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Monaco missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw against Toulouse.
Edan Diop and Matthis Abline scored before half-time to put Monaco in control, but Casper Tengstedt converted a penalty after Flavio Nazinho fouled Toulouse defender Mark McKenzie at a corner.
Tengstedt later provided the assist for Sion Oppong’s 59th-minute equaliser.
Monaco remain one point ahead of Lille, who defeated Le Havre 1-0 at home through Dilane Bakwa’s fifth-minute strike.
The forward is on loan from English Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Lorient claimed a 1-0 victory over Paris FC, whose consolation was remaining fourth in the standings, one place above defending champions PSG.
