PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain returned to the top of the French league on Saturday, benefiting from Monaco's earlier upset win over Lens.
PSG Cruises Past Metz
Désiré Doue, Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos scored for PSG in a 3-0 victory over last-place Metz at Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Doue opened the scoring after just two minutes, finishing a long ball from Warren Zaïre-Emery behind Metz' high defensive line. Barcola doubled the lead before halftime, tapping in a cross from Ramos.
Ramos added the third in the 77th minute. PSG moved two points clear of Lens with 11 rounds remaining.
Note: PSG could have scored more but appeared intent on conserving energy for Wednesday's Champions League playoff second leg against Monaco.
Monaco Stuns Lens in comeback
Monaco dealt a major blow to Lens' title hopes with a stunning 3-2 comeback win at home.
Odsonne Édouard gave Lens an early lead with a volley. Florian Thauvin converted the rebound after Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn parried a deflected shot to make it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.
But Monaco rallied dramatically. Folarin Balogun pulled one back in the 62nd minute, Denis Zakaria equalized in the 70th, and Ansu Fati capitalized on another defensive error to complete the comeback two minutes later.
The result enabled PSG to reclaim first place while Monaco secured a valuable confidence boost ahead of their Champions League playoff second leg.
Around Ligue 1
Argentine teenager Julián Vignolo scored late as a substitute to help mid-table Toulouse draw 1-1 with promoted Paris FC.