Ferran Torres helps Paris Saint-Germain overcome Marseille in 2-1 win

Paris Saint-Germain survived a difficult test at Olympique de Marseille to win 2-1 in the fifth round of Ligue 1, with Ferran Torres and Marquinhos scoring after the hosts had held firm for more than an hour.

Olympique de Marseille produced a determined first-half display despite arriving at the match on the back of three consecutive defeats. They restricted Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking threat for long periods, while the visitors struggled to turn possession and pressure into clear chances.

De Lange denied Nuno Mendes with a save, while an effort from Ousmane Dembele narrowly cleared the crossbar. Paris Saint-Germain were unable to find a way through as Marseille defended with discipline and threatened to take the lead.

The home side had a major opportunity to go ahead in the 38th minute when Neal Maupay failed to convert a penalty. Amine Gouiri then appealed for another spot-kick after going down following contact with Desire Doue in the area, but referee Francois Letexier decided there had been no foul.

Marseille continued to miss opportunities after the interval, before Paris Saint-Germain finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute. Desire Doue sent a cross into the area and Ferran Torres headed it into the net, just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.

The advantage lasted only six minutes. Angel Gomes levelled for Olympique de Marseille in the 72nd minute after dribbling past Pacho, giving the hosts renewed hope of claiming a result.

Paris Saint-Germain responded almost immediately, however. Two minutes after the equaliser, Marquinhos restored the visitors’ lead by heading in a cross from Nuno Mendes.

Marseille’s task became even harder when Timothy Weah was sent off. He received a second yellow card after deliberately bringing down Nuno Mendes, leaving the home side to play the closing stages with 10 men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Olympique de Marseille continued to push for another equaliser and created pressure during the final minutes. They could not find a second goal, though, and Paris Saint-Germain held on for a hard-earned victory.

The result was Paris Saint-Germain’s second successive win in Ligue 1. Olympique de Marseille, despite a strong performance for much of the match, suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.