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View image in fullscreenPSG thrash Lille as they gear up for Champions League battle of the titans

The two French clubs still in the Champions League met in Paris at the weekend.

PSG squared off against Lille on Saturday, a game that was circled on the calendars of French football fans for two reasons: not only could it be a real test for both sides before their last-16 ties in the Champions League but it was also a game where PSG could lose in the league for the first time this season.

With Lille playing a rotated lineup at the Parc des Princes, it was barely a contest.



Critics of Ligue 1 will point out that PSG are 13 points clear at the top of the table, but Lille’s performances in the Champions League – they finished seventh in the group stage to set up a last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund – suggest that PSG are capable of competing with any opponent on their day.

Their last-16 tie against Liverpool is a real battle of the titans.

The former Napoli forward made his reputation playing on the left but, with Dembéle occupying the centre and Doué starting from a deeper role, he has thrived on the right flank.

Kvaratskhelia was rested for the Lille game, having run the show recently against Brest in the Champions League and Lyon in the league.

Yes, there have been nervy moments this season, particularly in Europe, but Luis Enrique has his team at the apex of its powers.

Even with their two more experienced teammates back to full fitness, they are likely to line up alongside captain Benjamin André.

Lille and PSG are doing France proud in the Champions League this season and, even better, they are doing it by developing promising young talent.

Quick GuideLigue 1 resultsShow

Lyon 2-1 Brest, Angers 0-4 Toulouse, Auxerre 0-1 Strasbourg, Montpellier 0-4 Rennes, Marseille 2-0 Nantes, Saint-Étienne 1-3 Nice, Lens 3-4 Le Havre, PSG 4-1 Lille, Monaco 3-0 Reims.

Talking points

Better late than never.