Paris Saint-Germain kept their three-point lead on top of Ligue 1 with a victory on Saturday afternoon, but Montpellier continue to keep pace and prevent PSG from running away with the title. They were the only two teams among the league’s top five in action on Saturday, and they appear to be separating themselves and creating a clear first and second tier in the table in France.
Ligue 1 Saturday, Week 21: Paris Saint-Germain Extend Lead, Montpellier Keep Pace
AS Nancy 0-0 Rennes
Because of snow, this match was moved up four hours. That probably affected preparation and the players’ schedules, or at least that’s what the play indicated in this one. Rennes’ push for a European place will have been hurt by this result against a relegation candidate.
Dijon 1-2 Valenciennes
In France’s jumbled relegation race, this match was huge for both sides. Valenciennes are now all the way up to 12th in the table with this win, but are still only four points above the drop. Dijon now sit in 16th, three points above the drop zone. The score is closer than the match was, as Dijon’s goal came in stoppage time through Gregory Thil. The visitors went up 2-0 in the first half and did well to sit on their lead.
AC Ajaccio 1-1 Nice
These teams both have bad defenses and excellent goalkeepers. So, of course, both David Ospina and Guillermo Ochoa let in a goal when the two teams combined for THREE total shots on target. Someone please get Memo and Ospina off these teams.
Montpellier 1-0 Brest
This is about the most predictable result ever. Montpellier were the much better team, but only scored once. Brest didn’t look good, but always looked a threat for a point. Fun fact: Brest have 12 draws this season. Geoffrey Dernis scored the winner in the 40th minute, assisted by Rémy Cabella.
Bordeaux 2-0 Toulouse
Jussie scored for Bordeaux in the opening minute, new signing Ludovic Obraniak scored on a free kick in the 40th minute, and Moussa Sissoko was sent off three minutes later. No word yet on whether or not they actually bothered to play the second half.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Evian
Just before the end of a very uneventful first half, Cédric Cambon put Evian up 1-0 following a corner kick. This, apparently, pissed off a previously lethargic PSG side. Nene equalized just two minutes into the second half, but it would take until the 79th minute for them to take the lead. Jeremy Menez drew a penalty and Nene converted, putting his team ahead. Kevin Gamiero iced the game with an 89th minute goal.
Saint-Etienne vs. Lorient was abandoned due to unplayable weather.
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