Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have reclaimed the top spot in Ligue 1 after a 2-0 victory against Auxerre at the Parc des Princes on Saturday. However, the win came at a cost, with injuries mounting for the defending champions. Meanwhile, Monaco slipped to a 3-1 defeat away at Lorient, failing to keep pace with PSG.
PSG's match against Auxerre saw them take the lead through Illia Zabarnyi in the 33rd minute, who stretched to poke in a cross from Vitinha. Lucas Beraldo then headed in a cross from Senny Mayulu in the 55th minute to secure the victory. However, the injury list grew for Luis Enrique's side, with Vitinha being forced off late in the first half and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia being replaced at halftime with a suspected thigh injury. These injuries add to an already lengthy list, including captain Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and João Neves. The victory puts PSG on 15 points from six games, three points ahead of Marseille, Monaco, Lyon and Strasbourg, who are separated by goal difference. Lyon have the opportunity to move level on points with PSG if they win against Lille on Sunday.
Monaco, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat of the season against Lorient. Mohamed Bamba opened the scoring for Lorient in the 40th minute, followed by a double from Pablo Pagis in the 76th and 82nd minutes. Ansu Fati scored a late penalty for Monaco, but it proved to be just a consolation. Monaco's captain, Thilo Kehrer, was sent off in the 38th minute after receiving a second yellow card. Monaco's defensive frailties were once again exposed, having conceded 10 goals in six games, a problem that coach Adi Hütter is still trying to resolve. Prior to the match, Monaco had also been defeated 4-1 by Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Lorient's victory was well-deserved, with the team displaying great energy and determination. Pablo Pagis, in particular, shone with his two goals, leading Lorient to a memorable win. Monaco, however, were below par, failing to create enough chances and showing defensive weaknesses. The absence of key players due to injury did not help their cause, but Hütter will be concerned about the overall performance and attitude of his squad.
