PSG crushes Marseille to move 3 points clear at top

Associated Press Paris: Paris Saint-Germain moved three points clear at the top of the French league with a resounding 3-0 win at Marseille, which badly failed its first big test this season after a red card and an own-goal in the first half. A win would have moved Marseille level on points with the defending champion, but instead third-place Marseille dropped six points behind unbeaten PSG and stayed three points behind Monaco in second spot. The humiliating manner of the defeat will doubtless test the patience of Marseille's hugely demanding fans. Some of them started leaving Stade Velodrome before the end of the first half and the players were jeered off the field at the end.

Aside from careless mistakes, a lack of leadership was evident. Marseille did not qualify for any European competition this season and its players were fresh while coach Roberto De Zerbi had a full squad available. Former PSG mid fielder Adrien Rabiot started in midfield for Marseille, but the visitors were far sharper and took the lead in the seventh minute through midfielder João Neves following a low cross from left back Nuno Mendes. Things got worse for Marseille when midfielder Amine Harit was shown a straight red card in the 20th for a high challenge on PSG captain Marquinhos. Although television replays showed Harit did not raise his leg higher than the midriff of Marquinhos, the decision was maintained. Harit argued furiously with an official on the sidelines as he walked off. A dreadful own-goal from central defender Leonardo Balerdi gifted PSG a goal in the 29th.

A cross came in with no PSG player in the penalty area, yet Balerdi stuck his leg out and prodded the ball past his stranded goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Balerdi was caught napping on the third goal when he failed to close down winger Bradley Barcola, who swept home after Ousmane Dembélé's shot was saved and the ball came back into the area. PSG controlled the game in the second half but did not appear to push for another goal, which may frustrate coach Luis Enrique given his side's problems scoring in the Champions League. A lack of composure also penalized Monaco earlier, when Vanderson was sent off in a 2-1 defeat at Nice.