Ligue 1 wrap: PSG move three clear

Paris Saint-Germain moved to the summit of Ligue 1 after they battled their way to a 1-0 win against cellar-dwellers Nancy on Saturday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the match winner for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, finding the net 16 minutes from time with a terrific shot from the edge of the area to send PSG atop of the standings momentarily.

PSG were certainly made to work for their triumph, with Lossemy Karaboue hitting the post for the home side early on.

Nancy’s early performance comprehensively belied their position at the foot of Ligue 1 as they looked effervescent and dangerous but PSG eventually found their rhythm and began to dictate proceedings.

But despite the visitor’s dominance, they were unable to find a way past Nancy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu up until the 75th minute.

Nancy did not heed the warning of a stunning 30-yard drive that dipped over the top, allowing Ibrahimovic to battle his way into a shooting position at the edge of the box and the Swedish striker needed no second invitation as he sent a fierce shot into the net.

PSG are now three points clear of title rivals Marseille, who are scheduled to host Lyon on Sunday.

Toulouse extended their unbeaten run to five games and climbed up to second on the table following a routine 3-1 victory over Brest.

Wissam Ben Yedder put the home side ahead in the 30th minute before Etienne Capoue doubled their advantage 10 minutes later.

Benoit Lesoimier’s first goal of the season with 15 minutes remaining at the Stadium Municipal ensured a nervy finish but Adrien Regattin made sure of the result three minutes into injury time.

At the Stade Lille Metropole, Lille overcame 10-man Valenciennes 2-1 in front of 45,497 fans on Saturday.

Coming off a 1-0 loss at home to UEFA Champions League finalists Bayern Munich midweek, Lille were determined to return to winning ways and they were handed the ideal start when Gaetan Bong turned the ball into his own net after just two minutes of play.

The host’s chances were given a boost when Valenciennes midfielder Carlos Sanchez saw red in the 29th minute after two bookable offences.

Lille took full advantage of their numerical advantage four minutes before the break when Dimitri Payet fired a low shot past goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau.

Former Liverpool striker Anthony Le Tallec reduced the deficit with less than 20 minutes remaining but Lille managed to hold on for all three points.

In other results on Saturday, reigning champions Montpellier defeated Nice 3-1, Troyes held Reims to a 1-1 draw, while the match between Sochaux and Evian was postponed due to snow.