PSG made a dominant statement ahead of their Champions League clash with Liverpool, thrashing Lille 4-1 at the Parc des Princes. The game, seen as a key test for both sides before their last-16 ties, turned into a showcase of PSG’s firepower, with all four goals coming in a blistering first half. Ethan Mbappé’s impressive cameo was one of the few positives for Lille in an otherwise one-sided contest.
Luis Enrique’s men have been in irresistible form, winning their last ten matches in all competitions. Ousmane Dembélé has been at the heart of their attack, scoring his 18th league goal of the season against Lille and proving instrumental with his movement between the right flank and a central role. Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola also found the net, continuing their strong runs of form. Doué, thriving in midfield in Warren Zaïre-Emery’s absence, has four goals and five assists since January, while Barcola has matched those numbers. Their performances have helped January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia settle in seamlessly, with the former Napoli star thriving on the right while Dembélé roams centrally.
Kvaratskhelia was rested for the Lille match after starring against Brest in the Champions League and Lyon in the league. PSG’s attacking quartet is second only to Real Madrid in Europe right now, and despite some nervy moments earlier in the season, they look well-prepared for the challenge of Liverpool.
Lille, on the other hand, may be feeling the strain of a long season. Despite a recent win over Monaco, their form has been inconsistent, including an embarrassing Coupe de France exit to Ligue 2 side Dunkerque and a league loss to struggling Le Havre. Injuries have played a role, with Tiago Santos and Edon Zhegrova sidelined, but their young talents have stepped up. Icelandic winger Hakon Haraldsson, finally free from injuries, has been their standout attacker, delivering a brace against Monaco. Teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi and DR Congo international Ngal’ayel Mukau have impressed in midfield, filling in for Angel Gomes and Nabil Bentaleb.
With captain Benjamin André leading the midfield, Lille remain a competitive force, but they will need to be at their best against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Both Lille and PSG are showcasing France’s strength in Europe, with a commitment to developing young talent that could serve them well in the long run.
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Marseille left it late but secured a crucial 2-0 win over Nantes, strengthening their grip on second place. Alexandre Lacazette delivered when it mattered for Lyon, scoring twice in a comeback victory over Brest, keeping their top-four hopes alive. Meanwhile, veteran André Ayew was decisive for Le Havre, scoring and assisting in a thrilling 4-3 win over Lens, a result that lifts his side out of the relegation zone.
