Shocking Own Goal Takes PSG Past Lyon

Paris Saint-Germain survived the absence of Neymar and a Lyon fightback to win Sunday night’s Ligue 1 clash 4-2 at a stormy Parc des Princes, helped by Fernando Marcal’s truly stunning second-half own goal.

Runaway leaders and defending champions PSG were cruising at half-time with Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe giving them a two-goal advantage against a Lyon side enduring a disappointing season.

Then Marcal comically blasted the ball into the roof of his own net just after the break, leaving Lyon looking at another heavy defeat in Paris, where they lost 5-0 in this fixture last season.

However, Martin Terrier and Moussa Dembele quickly pulled goals back, leaving PSG needing a late strike by substitute Edinson Cavani to secure the points.

It was a performance that showcased why they can ill afford to be complacent heading into their Champions League last 16, first leg away to Borussia Dortmund on February 18, although they will hope to have Neymar back by then. The world’s most expensive player sat out a second consecutive match here due to a rib complaint.

Without the Brazilian — as well as his injured compatriots, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, in defence — Thomas Tuchel’s side made it eight straight wins and stretched their unbeaten run to 21 games in all competitions.

Lyon, meanwhile, have not won in three outings and this result leaves the seven-time former champions in a lowly ninth place.

They are eight points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots and their upcoming European double-header against Juventus looks certain to be a step too far for them.