Messi assists help PSG top Saint-Etienne in French league

SAINT-ETIENNE, France (AP) — Lionel Messi h three assists in a 3-1 win over 10-man Saint-Etienne on Sunday to help Paris Saint-Germain extend its le atop French league standings to 14 points but victory was marred by a Neymar injury.

Brazil striker was stretchered off in 87th after twisting his ankle under an awkward challenge from Yvann Macon.

Saint-Etienne opened scoring against run of play in 23rd minute of game played in swy conditions. Wahbi Khazri picked out Timoe Kolodziejczak, whose shot was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. But rebound fell to Denis Bouanga, who beat Italy goalkeeper.

English goalkeeper Etienne Green delayed PSG’s comeback by palming away Neymar’s angled strike in 40th and Kylian Mbappe’s low effort in 41st.

But Saint-Etienne's task was me much harder on stroke of halftime when Kolodziejczak was sent off for tripping Mbappe, who was chasing a through ball from Angel di Maria. Brazil defender Marquinhos equalized by heing home subsequent free kick taken by Messi.

Despite its numerical superiority, PSG struggled to find winning goal. Green denied Neymar in 69th and Messi failed to convert rebound.

PSG eventually took le in 79th when Messi found Di Maria, who curled into far corner. In stopp time, Messi crossed for Marquinhos, who outjumped Miguel Trauco to he in.

game also featured debut of Sergio Ramos, who recovered from injury to make his first appearance in French league for PSG. Spaniard went on to have a comfortable afteron despite picking up a couple fouls.

15th round ends Sunday with Bordeaux vs. Brest, Lorient vs. Rennes, Monaco vs. Strasbourg, Reims vs. Clermont, Montpellier vs. Lyon, and Marseille vs. Troyes.

On Saturday, bottom side Metz stunned second-placed Nice 1-0 while hopes of defending champion Lille to get back in race for European spots took a blow after drawing with mid-table Nantes 1-1.

On Friday, Lens drew with Angers 2-2 to stay fourth.

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