PSG, Nice remain in French Ligue 1 title race

Paris, March 5: Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) provisiolly pulled alevel with leaders Moco on points with top scorer Edinson Cavani’s pelty in a laboured 1-0 win over relegation-threatened ncy in the Ligue 1 football tourment here.

In another match on Saturday night, Nice trailed on goal difference following a win against Dijon. PSG and Nice were tied with Moco on 62 points at the shared pole position in the French top division. ncy and Dijon still sat 17th and 18th respectively, facing a tough challenge in their bid to avoid relegation, Xinhua news agency reported.

PSG Mager Ui Emery made eight changes to the starting line-up for Saturday evening’s game, as Portuguese promising talent Goncalo Guedes got the nod for his first start in the French league since joining from Benfica in winter transfer window.

PSG could not convert their huge advantage of possession into a goal until the 80th minute, when defender Serge Aurier was fouled by ncy goalkeeper Sergey Chernik inside the box. Cavani coolly finished his 27th goal of the league, also his 37th in all competitions this season.

Before the goal, the visitors almost surprisingly built a lead over sloppy PSG, as substitute Alexis Busin’s shot hit the left post and rolled on to the right at the Parc des Princes.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Bastia had a goalless draw with sixth-ranked Saint-Etienne, Caen lost to Angers 3-2, Metz tied Rennes at 1-1, the same score in the contest between Montpellier and Guingamp. IANS