Paris Saint-Germain moved further up the Ligue 1 table by beating newly promoted Le Mans 3-1 at Parc des Princes for their third consecutive league victory.
The result ended Le Mans’ run of three matches without defeat, although the visitors remain without an away win this season. Paris Saint-Germain had also won three successive matches in all competitions before the international break.
Luis Enrique’s side dominated possession with more than 80% of the ball, but initially struggled to turn that control into chances. A Lucas Digne free-kick was blocked, while Achraf Hakimi fired across goal from a promising position.
They were handed the breakthrough in the 19th minute after VAR identified a handball by Harold Voyer inside the penalty area. Lucas Beraldo took responsibility and squeezed his spot-kick into the bottom corner, despite Nicolas Kocik getting close to keeping it out.
Twelve of Paris Saint-Germain’s previous 13 Ligue 1 matches had produced at least three goals, but the first half appeared unlikely to follow that pattern. Mika Godts weaved his way through the Le Mans defence before shooting straight at Kocik.
Le Mans then missed two good opportunities to level. Louis Mafouta was released by a clever flick-on, but Matvey Safonov came off his line to make the save. Samuel Yohou later struck the side netting from only six yards.
Paris Saint-Germain should have restored their advantage before half-time, but Kocik produced an outstanding stop to keep out Dro Fernandez’s header from a Digne cross.
Hakimi had another chance soon after the restart when he ran on to a long ball over the top. He controlled it in his stride, but Kocik narrowed the angle and blocked the right-back’s effort.
That proved an important intervention. Moments later, Lucas Calodat delivered an excellent cross which Mafouta met with a powerful header. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR showed the striker had timed his run correctly and his fourth goal of the season stood.
Le Mans’ equaliser lasted only briefly. Shortly after the hour mark, substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made an immediate impact, reacting quickest after Kocik could only parry Fabian Ruiz’s long-range strike.
Ferran Torres missed the chance to make it 3-1 when Warren Zaire-Emery’s pass sent him through one-on-one, but Paris Saint-Germain did extend their lead soon afterwards. Zaire-Emery found Maghnes Akliouche on the right, and after cutting inside, he beat Kocik with a firm finish at the near post.
Patrick Videira’s side continued to press. Safonov denied Yohou’s header from a corner and was untroubled by Dame Gueye’s diving attempt.
In added time, Rayan Bamba’s pull-back struck Lucas Hernandez and earned the hosts another penalty. Desire Doue’s effort was saved by Kocik, but the European champions still secured only their fourth home win in their last eight matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)