Lionel Messi had three assists in a 3-1 win over 10-man Saint-Etienne on Sunday to assist Paris Saint-Germain prolong its lead atop the French league standings to 14 factors however the victory was marred by a Neymar damage.
The Brazil striker was stretchered off within the 87th after twisting his ankle below an ungainly problem from Yvann Macon.
Saint-Etienne opened the scoring in opposition to the run of play within the twenty third minute of the sport performed in snowy situations. Wahbi Khazri picked out Timothee Kolodziejczak, whose shot was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. But the rebound fell to Denis Bouanga, who beat the Italy goalkeeper.
English goalkeeper Etienne Green delayed PSG’s comeback by palming away Neymar’s angled strike within the fortieth and Kylian Mbappe’s low effort within the forty first.
But Saint-Etienne’s process was made a lot more durable on the stroke of halftime when Kolodziejczak was despatched off for tripping Mbappe, who was chasing a by ball from Angel di Maria. Brazil defender Marquinhos equalized by heading dwelling the following free kick taken by Messi.
Despite its numerical superiority, PSG struggled to seek out the successful purpose. Green denied Neymar within the 69th and Messi didn’t convert the rebound.
PSG finally took the lead within the 79th when Messi discovered Di Maria, who curled into the far nook. In stoppage time, Messi crossed for Marquinhos, who outjumped Miguel Trauco to move in.
The recreation additionally featured the debut of Sergio Ramos, who recovered from damage to make his first look within the French league for PSG. The Spaniard went on to have a cushty afternoon regardless of selecting up a pair fouls.
The fifteenth spherical ends Sunday with Bordeaux vs. Brest, Lorient vs. Rennes, Monaco vs. Strasbourg, Reims vs. Clermont, Montpellier vs. Lyon, and Marseille vs. Troyes.
On Saturday, backside facet Metz shocked second-placed Nice 1-0 whereas the hopes of defending champion Lille to get again within the race for European spots took a blow after drawing with mid-table Nantes 1-1.
On Friday, Lens drew with Angers 2-2 to remain fourth.
