Paris Saint-Germain strengthened their position at the top of Ligue 1 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Troyes AC on Saturday, as Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi scored the decisive goal before the international break.
PSG, who featured Belgian winger Mika Godts on the left flank, dominated proceedings in the opening half, creating several opportunities against the visitors.
Troyes goalkeeper Hillel Konaté kept his side in the contest with impressive saves to deny Senny Mayulu and Ferran Torres before the hosts eventually broke the deadlock shortly before the interval.
Zabarnyi rose highest to head home from Mayulu’s cross following a short corner, giving the Parisian side a 1-0 advantage going into the break.
Troyes showed greater attacking intent in the second half as they searched for an equaliser, with Renaud Ripart coming close after sending an effort narrowly wide of the goal.
PSG continued to control possession and pushed for a second goal, but Konaté made another important save to stop Torres, while Warren Zaïre-Emery also threatened with an effort that went across the face of goal.
Troyes thought they had found a way back into the contest when Lucas Maronnier scored, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The victory restored PSG’s three-point advantage over second-placed Paris FC, who defeated AJ Auxerre 1-0 earlier on Saturday.
Troyes remain 16th in the Ligue 1 standings.
