PSG stretches lead with Strasbourg win
Paris Saint-Germain moved nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win away at Strasbourg.
Goals in either half from Kylian Mbappe, who missed an early penalty, and Marco Asensio put the visitors two up before Dilane Bakwa scored 22 minutes from time to breathe life into the match.
Defender Abakar Sylla spurned a golden opportunity to steal a point for the home side in stoppage-time when he looped a close-range header straight into the arms of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It was the story of the game for Strasbourg, which had more than enough chances in the second half to have earned a draw, although it was ultimately let down by poor finishing.
PSG should have gone ahead in the sixth minute but Mbappe’s spot-kick was saved by Alaa Bellaarouch after Lucas Perrin fouled Randal Kolo Muani.
The visitors took the lead after 18 minutes and Strasbourg had only itself to blame.
Goalkeeper Bellaarouch dwelt too long with the ball at his feet and as he went to clear was closed down by Asensio. The ball deflected into the path of Mbappe, who was left with the simplest task of stroking it into the empty net for his 20th goal of the season.
The roles were revered shortly after half-time, with Mbappe this time the provider, his cross with the outside of the boot finding the feet of Asensio, who took a touch and artfully placed it past Bellaarouch.
Strasbourg got the goal that its efforts deserved midway through the second half when on-loan Chelsea winger Angelo Borges crossed for Bakwa at the far post, who knocked it past Donnarumma with an expertly taken first-time side-footed volley.
PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma made an excellent double save, first from Junior Mwanga then from Emanuel Emegha, the Italian springing sharply back to his feet to keep out the second effort.
Then came Sylla’s gilt-edged chance at the end, but the champion survived to extend its lead over Nice at the top of the table.