Balotelli scores, Nice destroys PSG's championship hopes

Striker Mario Balotelli opened the scoring as Nice beat PSG 3-1, destroying their opponents' hopes of a fifth consecutive French title.

Goals: Balotelli 26', Pereira 48', Donis 90' - Marquinhos 64'

In the equalizer in the 26th minute, "Super Mario" shone by winning a challenge with Marco Verratti and then unleashing a powerful left-footed shot from 19 meters away. The ball went beyond the reach of goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and caused PSG to concede the first goal.

Balotelli (left) played an important role in Nice's success. Photo: Reuters

From a favorable start, Nice played with more excitement and precision. In the 48th minute, Ricardo Pereira doubled the gap for the home team with a beautiful left-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

PSG only managed a consolation goal, courtesy of a header from Marquinhos, before collapsing in the final minutes. After Thiago Motta was sent off for a headbutt on Paul Baysse, the visitors were hit by a counter-attack and conceded a third goal from a header from Donis. In the third minute of stoppage time, Di Maria was also sent off for a dangerous tackle on Souquet.

Losing 1-3, PSG had to accept standing still in second place on the Ligue 1 table with 80 points after 35 matches. This was a heavy blow to PSG's hopes of defending the championship, while Monaco was leading with three more points and played one less match.

If Monaco win their game in hand, they will extend their lead over PSG to six points, meaning they will be very close to winning the Ligue 1 title with just three games remaining.

Coach Unai Emery is under a lot of pressure to perform at PSG.

Meanwhile, Nice are ranked third with 77 points. If PSG continues to decline in the last three rounds, Balotelli's team can overcome and win a direct place in the group stage of the Champions League next season.

Nice are currently firmly in third place, 20 points clear of fourth-placed Lyon. This position also guarantees a Champions League spot, but only through the qualifying rounds.

According to VNE