Ligue 1: PSG prevents Metz comeback with 3-2 win; Doue’s goal appears to make the difference

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) moved provisionally to the top of Ligue 1 on Saturday with a 3-2 win over bottom club Metz, with the champions twice suffering a two-goal cushion loss, with Goncalo Ramos, Quentin Ndjantou and Desire Doue all on the scoresheet.

PSG are on 36 points, two ahead of Lens, who host Nice on Sunday, while Metz remain bottom of the standings with 11 points.

PSG struggled to create early chances against Metz – despite the latter having the worst defensive record in the league this season and conceding 34 goals in the 15 previous games – but eventually found a way out in the 31st minute.

Lee Kang-in played a one-two from a short corner before floating the ball towards the six-yard box, where Ramos sent his header into the bottom corner.

PSG scored the second goal eight minutes later. Ibrahim Mbaye played a precise pass across the penalty area for Ndjantou to slot in and score his first goal for the club. The 18-year-old became PSG’s 17th different goalscorer in Ligue 1 this season.

Ramos squandered a golden opportunity to score another goal minutes earlier when his touch failed him as he tried to round the keeper, and out of nowhere, three minutes before half-time, Metz pulled one back.

Habib Diallo had a shot blocked in the penalty area, and when the ball fell to Jessy Deminguet he hit a half-volley into the roof of the net, setting up an intriguing second half.

Metz keeper Jonathan Fischer denied Ndjantou, Ramos and Lee as PSG looked to destroy Metz’s hopes of a comeback after half-time, but the hosts almost found an equalizer before the hour mark.

Diallo hit narrowly wide, and moments later PSG keeper Matvey Safonov got down well to parry a goal from Koffi Kouao.

But just as the hosts were enjoying their best period, PSG launched a counter-attack from the resulting corner, allowing substitute Doue to go through on goal, and he made no mistake with a composed finish in the 63rd minute.

Mbaye’s shot hit the crossbar as PSG began to turn the screw, with Fischer making another fine save from Doue’s ferocious strike.

METZ MOMENT OF MAGIC

Metz refused to budge and nine minutes from time the home side created a beautiful goal that set up a nerve-wracking ending for the visitor.

Giorgi Tsitaishvili made a blistering run with the ball from the flank into the penalty area. Although he briefly lost possession, Gauthier Hein played a clever backheel back to Tsitaishvili, who fired his shot into the far corner.

PSG held on, but Metz will take satisfaction from his performance and if they can produce this kind of performance against lesser teams, they may be able to avoid a quick return to Ligue 2.

Published on December 14, 2025