Dembele’s early strike extends PSG’s lead in Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain tightened their grip at the top of Ligue 1 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Lens, opening up a six-point lead over second-placed Monaco.

Ousmane Dembele’s early goal proved decisive as PSG capitalized on Monaco’s shock home defeat to Angers the day before.

Luis Enrique’s side now sits comfortably atop the league with 26 points, while Monaco lags behind at 20.

Lille occupies third with 18 points, creating a clear separation among the top three. Lens, led by Will Still, remain just outside the European qualification spots in seventh place with 14 points.

Dembele put PSG in front within four minutes, converting Bradley Barcola’s cross after a brilliant setup down the wing.

This marked Dembele’s fifth league goal of the season, showing an improvement over last year when he scored just three in Ligue 1.

The win reinforces PSG’s stronghold on the title race as they continue to build momentum.

Fabian Ruiz was denied 10 minutes later by the foot of Brice Samba after Achraf Hakimi had teed him up inside the box.

Lens’ chances of an equaliser took a hit on 20 minutes when attacker Florian Sotoca was forced off with a thigh issue.

Samba then denied Marco Asensio in the 34th minute as PSG pushed forward in search of a second goal.

The hosts peppered the Lens goal as half-time approached but had to remain content with their narrow lead going into the second period.

Just before the hour, Lens were reduced to 10 men as a VAR review adjudged Abdukodir Khusanov’s tackle to have been high and he was given his marching orders.

Only a fine fingertip save from Samba against Barcola in the 73rd minute kept the visitors’ chances alive.

PSG’s level then dropped as the second half progressed but already a goal and a man to the good, they were able to hold Lens at arm’s length and close out the three points.