02/07/25 04:21:00
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02/07 16:20 CST Kvaratskhelia scores his first PSG goal as Ligue 1 leader routs
Monaco
Kvaratskhelia scores his first PSG goal as Ligue 1 leader routs Monaco
By JEROME PUGMIRE
AP Sports Writer
PARIS (AP) --- New signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored his first goal for
Paris Saint-Germain when the unbeaten Ligue 1 leader routed third-placed Monaco
4-1 to go 13 points clear on Friday.
The Georgia winger joined from Napoli for a reported 70 million euros ($72
million) and with a big reputation for skill and clinical finishing. He showed
a bit of both in the 54th minute, controlling a quick pass with his right foot,
cutting cleverly inside Christian Mawissa and scooping the ball off balance
over goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.
That made it 2-1 and, three minutes later, Ousmane Dembl added the third goal
after combining well with Dsir Dou. He tapped in from close range in the
last minute following a counterattack to extend his league-leading tally to 16
goals.
PSG led in the sixth minute when Vitinha curled a free kick into the bottom
right corner. But he was helped by a major positional error from Majecki, who
left a huge gap.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was easily beaten at the near post when
captain Denis Zakaria ran onto a smart pass from Soungoutou Magassa.
For all its attacking flair --- especially the technically gifted Maghnes
Akliouche --- Monaco's weaknesses were poor composure and erratic defending,
and it will drop to fifth if Lille and Nice win this weekend.
Marseille will stay second regardless but must win at Angers on Sunday to
remain 10 points behind PSG.
Three in a row for Brest
Imposing striker Ludovic Ajorque and midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou scored as
Brest won at Nantes 2-0 to climb into seventh spot.
Nantes' three losses in its last 11 games have all been against Brest --- with
the other in the French Cup.
Brest hosts PSG on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League playoff
match.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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