Serbia´s Kezman hits winner as PSG move up to third

Serbian international Mateja Kezman scored an early penalty for Paris Saint Germain in their 1-0 home win over Nantes on Sunday which moved them up to third spot in the French championship.

The victory completed a festive night for the Parisians who had earlier inaugurated a new stand at the Parc des Princes named after former club president Francis Borelli.

Nantes however remained rooted to the bottom of the table.

Kezman hit the winner from the spot after just seven minutes, after Guillaume Hoarau had been fouled in the area by Guirane N'Daw, firing strongly just under the crossbar of Nantes keeper Jerome Alonso.

PSG almost went two goals ahead when Ludovic Guily's cross from the right hit the crossbar.

In other matches on Sunday, Sochaux drew 1-1 with Lille and Caen beat St-Etienne 2-0.

The referee who gave Lyon a last-gasp penalty in the French champions' controversial 3-2 win over rivals Nice on Saturday has now admitted he made a blunder.

Jean-Charles Cailleux told French radio station RTL he should not have awarded the spot-kick – converted by Lyon's Karim Benzema in the fourth minute of stoppage time – as no infringement had taken place.

Cailleux said he did not have a clear view of the incident involving Nice defender Vincent Hognon, adding that he blew for handball based on the call of his linesman.

“When I saw the images on TV there was clearly contact with the hand, but it was involuntary,” said Cailleux. “I shouldn't have blown for this foul and it should never have been a penalty.”

Lyon's win saw them go top of the league by two points from Marseille, who drew 1-1 with Bordeaux. PSG are now three points behind the leaders in third spot.

South Korea international Park Chu-Young enjoyed a goal-scoring debut with Monaco to win handsome praise from club coach Ricardo.

The 23-year-old Park, who signed for three million dollars from FC Seoul two weeks ago, scored in the 25th minute and set up the second for teammate Frederic Nimani in a 2-0 win over Lorient.

“Park confirmed what I thought about him,” said Ricardo. “It gives me great confidence for the what's to come. He was man of the match and is a player who's in great form. He made the difference technically tonight.”

The win put Monaco into seventh place with eight points, five behind leaders and seven-times reigning champions Lyon.