Paris Saint-Germain recovered from an early deficit and a missed penalty to defeat Strasbourg 3-1 at the Stade de la Meinau on Saturday. The result moved the reigning French and European champions to the top of Ligue 1.
Coach Luis Enrique rested several regular starters after the midweek Champions League win over Manchester City. Strasbourg took advantage in the 17th minute. United States international Giovanni Reyna scored with a low left-footed shot to give the home side the lead.
PSG created little in the first half. Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov then produced a vital save just after the restart to deny Conrad Harder.
Enrique introduced key players including Ousmane Dembele around the hour mark. The visitors won a penalty in the 72nd minute after a VAR review confirmed that a shot from Desire Doue struck the arm of Pape Demba Diop.
Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Dembele stepped up but sent the kick wide of the goal.
Dembele responded quickly. In the 77th minute he crossed from the right for Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi to equalise with a close-range finish.
Seven minutes later Dembele controlled the ball on the edge of the area and fired past the goalkeeper to put PSG ahead. In stoppage time he controlled a long clearance from Safonov and found Ferran Torres, who set up Desire Doue to complete the 3-1 scoreline.
The victory gave PSG four straight Ligue 1 wins and 14 points from seven matches. They sit top of the table on goals scored ahead of Monaco. Strasbourg suffered a third consecutive defeat.
