PARIS: Lionel Messi scored one goal and set up another for Sergio Ramos as Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 2-0 at Nice on Saturday to regain their six-point lead in Ligue 1 and relieve coach Christophe Galtier.
PSG’s goal lived a charmed life on the Cote d’Azur as Messi converted a Nuno Mendes cross in the 26th minute, Gianluigi Donnarumma made several vital saves, and Dante hit the post.
PSG recovered from successive home losses as Ramos headed in a Messi corner with 14 minutes left.
The losses put Galtier under pressure amid reports he may not finish the season.
Galtier, who managed Nice last season, was visibly upset by a home supporters’ poster aimed at his mother.
“83-year-old mom had cancer. No more. Because of my work last season, these fans are watching European games this season “Galtier, who led Nice to sixth in his only season, remarked.
Before this game and the top two’s Paris meeting next weekend, Lens’ win on Friday had cut PSG’s lead at the top of the league to three points.
“We knew we had a lot of pressure on our shoulders both because of our poor performances and because of Lens winning, and especially because Nice are a really good team who have been on a great run,” Galtier told Canal Plus.
“It was definitely not our best performance of the season but the players fought for each other and it is obviously three important points.”
He added: “It is better to have a six-point lead than be chasing after a six-point deficit but we know we have a very important match next weekend.”
Nice’s first loss in 15 matches in all competitions since Didier Digard replaced Lucien Favre as coach in January. Eighth-placed Ineos-owned club.
