Key Takeaways:
- Paris Saint-Germain hammered Marseille 5-0 at the Parc des Princes to reclaim the Ligue 1 lead with 51 points
- Ousmane Dembélé netted twice, while substitutes Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kang-In Lee contributed late goals for the hosts
- PSG hit the woodwork four times and avenged their 0-1 defeat at the Vélodrome earlier this season
Match Analysis
Paris Saint-Germain delivered an emphatic statement in the French football derby on Sunday night, thrashing Marseille 5-0 at the Parc des Princes. Luis Enrique’s side dominated proceedings from the outset, asserting their quality and leaving the visitors to rue their shortcomings. The Parisians’ relentless attack was underscored by four instances where they struck the woodwork, despite easing off in the final fifteen minutes.
The capital club seized the initiative early, with Ousmane Dembélé converting Nuno Mendes’ cross in the 12th minute, recording his sixth goal of the campaign. Dembélé then doubled his tally and PSG’s advantage in the 37th minute, showcasing exceptional skill to glide past several defenders and lash the ball past Jeffrey De Lange. Before the break, the hosts came close to extending their lead further as Marseille’s defence continued to wilt under sustained pressure.
⏱️ 90’ FT.
A fine evening at the Parc Des Princes! +3. #PSGOM 5-0 I #Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/gQEvPdIAOz
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 8, 2026
Team Line-ups and Tactics
PSG fielded a front three of Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. João Neves, Vitinha, and Senny Mayulu formed the midfield, while Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, and Warren Zaïre-Emery shielded Matvey Safonov in goal. Achraf Hakimi missed the encounter due to suspension, and Ilya Zabarnyi, Gonçalo Ramos, Kang-In Lee, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia started from the bench. Kvaratskhelia returned after an injury had ruled him out of the Strasbourg fixture.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille deployed Amine Gouiri as the focal point in attack, backed by Mason Greenwood and Ethan Nwaneri. The midfield comprised Timothy Weah, Quinten Timber, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and Emerson Palmieri. Benjamin Pavard, Leonardo Balerdi, and Facundo Medina formed a three-man defence in front of Jeffrey De Lange, preferred over Gerónimo Rulli in goal. Notable substitutes included Igor Paixão, Arthur Vermeeren, Geoffrey Kondogbia, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Second-Half Highlights and Substitutions
Following the interval, De Zerbi introduced Igor Paixão for Ethan Nwaneri, but OM continued to struggle against PSG’s fluid attacking unit. In quick succession, De Lange thwarted João Neves, while Désiré Doué rattled the crossbar. At the opposite end, Paixão’s header barely troubled Safonov. Paris maintained their momentum, with Barcola again denied by the post.
Further changes saw new Marseille signing Himad Abdelli enter play, whilst Luis Enrique brought on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger made an instant impact: after Facundo Medina headed João Neves’ cross into his own net in the 64th minute, Dembélé assisted Kvaratskhelia just two minutes later, and he finished with an exquisite volley to make it 4-0.
PSG’s fifth came courtesy of Kang-In Lee, collecting Mayulu’s pass before dispatching a clinical left-footed strike. With a commanding lead, the hosts rotated their squad, affording Lucas Hernández, Gonçalo Ramos, and newly signed Dro Fernández – presented to supporters before kick-off – an opportunity to appear. By the final whistle, Marseille appeared completely demoralised, and were spared greater damage only by the intervention of the woodwork on two more occasions.
Statistical Overview and Standings Impact
PSG’s performance was reflected in both the scoreline and underlying statistics, with four shots hitting the frame of the goal to reinforce the magnitude of their dominance. Their haul of 51 points sees them reclaim the top of Ligue 1, surpassing Lens, while Marseille remained on 39 points, just missing the chance to draw level with third-placed Lyon. The resounding victory also served as revenge for the 0-1 defeat in Marseille earlier in the current campaign.
| Team | Position in Standings | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Saint-Germain | 1 | 51 |
| Marseille | 4 | 39 |
Conclusion
Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 demolition of Marseille last night reaffirmed their status as France’s premier football force. Luis Enrique’s men not only delivered attacking flair and defensive solidity but also displayed intent to reclaim their domestic supremacy, bolstered by a new signing and their brightest talents.
