Kvaratskhelia Strikes Twice as PSG Dominates Nantes to Widen Ligue 1 Lead

After suffering a defeat at home to Olympique Lyonnais over the weekend, PSG found themselves in a competitive title race once again but were presented with a chance to extend their advantage over their nearest challengers.

Les Parisiens enjoyed an ideal start, earning a penalty just 15 minutes into the match when Ali Youssef was adjudged to have handled the ball after Marquinhos’ header struck his arm.

Following a review by VAR, the penalty was confirmed, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Nantes’ troubles deepened as they thought they had equalised midway through the first half. Louis Leroux capitalised on a loose ball in the area and fired home, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul during the build-up.

What proved to be a disappointing first half for the visitors ended in further agony as Achraf Hakimi surged forward and set up Désiré Doué, who, despite a tight angle, unleashed a remarkable strike into the far top corner.

PSG showed no signs of slowing down after the break, quickly adding a third goal when Kvaratskhelia danced through the defence and finished expertly.

Luis Enrique’s side continued to dominate, with Hakimi coming close to making it four, firing just wide from distance, while Kvaratskhelia narrowly missed out on a hat-trick as his shot hit the crossbar.

Fabián Ruiz also attempted to find the back of the net but was denied by the woodwork when his deflected effort struck the post.

Ultimately, three goals were more than enough for PSG to secure a convincing victory, putting them firmly in the driver’s seat for a record-extending 14th Ligue 1 title.

Nantes, on the other hand, are now five points away from the relegation play-off position, with time running out for Vahid Halilhodžić’s squad, who appear set to drop to the second tier of French football for the first time in 13 years.

For a summary of the match, click here