SOCCER: PSG score late winner as they go back to top of Ligue 1

STRASBOURG, France – Ten-man Paris Saint-Germain scored a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory at Racing Strasbourg on Sunday, reclaiming the top spot in Ligue 1.

Nuno Mendes delivered the decisive goal in the 81st minute, just six minutes after right-back Achraf Hakimi was sent off, reducing the champions to 10 men.

Senny Mayulu had put PSG ahead in the 22nd minute, following a saved penalty by Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli, which was denied by goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. But the home side responded quickly, equalizing five minutes later through Guela Doue, whose younger brother, France international Desire Doue, had come on for PSG at halftime.

PSG faced a challenging finish after Hakimi was dismissed for a studs-high challenge on Panichelli. Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to red following a VAR review. With Hakimi off, Warren Zaire-Emery dropped back to cover at right-back, and it was from his run down the flank that Mendes found space to head home the winner from an unmarked position on the left.

The victory moves PSG to 48 points, two ahead of second-placed Racing Lens, while Strasbourg remained in seventh place with 30 points after an entertaining match at Stade de la Meinau.

Strasbourg’s penalty earlier in the game came after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Marquinhos on a shot from Abdoul Ouattara. Safonov’s save marked his fifth penalty stop of the season, enhancing his reputation as a penalty specialist.

A defensive lapse by Strasbourg captain Mamadou Sarr allowed Mayulu to score, but the home side quickly responded as Ben Chilwell raced down the left wing and delivered a precise pass for Doue to level the score.

Hakimi’s suspension means he will miss PSG’s next Ligue 1 match against Olympique de Marseille. Strasbourg will be frustrated with their defensive lapses in the final minutes as Mendes’ late goal secured all three points for the visitors.

-Reporting by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters