Ferran Torres extended his strong start to life at Paris Saint-Germain by scoring the decisive goal as the French and European champions defeated bitter rivals Marseille 2-1 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Torres, who was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup triumph last July, entered the match as a second-half substitute for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia just before the hour mark. He headed in a cross from Desire Doue in the 66th minute at the Velodrome to give PSG the lead.
Marseille responded through England midfielder Angel Gomes, who netted an equalizer in the 72nd minute. However, PSG captain Marquinhos restored the visitors’ advantage just three minutes later. After his initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Jeffrey de Lange, the Brazilian defender scored on the rebound from a Nuno Mendes cross.
The victory was secured defensively when US international Timothy Weah, a former PSG player, was dismissed for a second yellow card, leaving Marseille to finish the match with ten men.
Torres has now scored seven goals in six appearances across all competitions since his transfer from Barcelona, including the winner against Brest last weekend. Despite this prolific form, he has started only three matches this season.
“We knew that for us it was one of the most important matches of the season. We knew it wouldn’t be easy but we managed to get the victory,” Torres said at full-time. PSG currently sits sixth in the table, five points adrift of league leaders Monaco after five games.
Torres is now set to depart for international duty with Spain, who will face England in their first UEFA Nations League match since winning the World Cup.
The result leaves struggling Marseille in the relegation zone, having lost four consecutive Ligue 1 games and five in all competitions. The club will now take a three-week break from domestic football.
In other Ligue 1 action, Monaco extended their unbeaten run with a 2-1 win over Lens, maintaining their two-point lead at the top of the standings over Lyon and Paris FC. Lyon thrashed Rennes 4-0, while Paris FC edged past Strasbourg 2-1. Nice defeated Lille 2-1, with Mohamed Amoura scoring the winner, and Auxerre beat Brest 2-1 thanks to a goal from Cameron Archer.
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