Paris Saint-Germain Extend Lead to 13 Points in Emotional Ligue 1 Fixture

Eleven doves of peace were released and a minute's silence was impeccably observed before Lorient's home match against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, in remembrance of the 130 people killed in last week's attacks in Paris. (Latest Football News)

Thousands of fans waved French tricolor flags inside Le Moustoir stadium and then joined players, match officials and coaching staff alike in a searing rendition of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise."

Unbeaten PSG, which is chasing a fourth straight league title, won the match 2-1 to extend its lead over second-place Lyon to 13 points.

Winger Hervin Ongenda scored his first career league goal and France midfielder Blaise Matuidi pointed to the sky straight after scoring the second goal as PSG took control in the first half. Striker Benjamin Moukandjo pulled a goal back late on.

"I was very touched by what happened in Paris. Tonight we played to pay homage to all the victims of the attacks, it was important to show the solidarity of France, or Paris," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. "Of course everyone was affected. It was very hard for us, but life must go on."

During the silence, PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic dipped his head in respect, while midfielder Thiago Motta stared ahead solemnly, a look of pain on his face as the 18,000-capacity stadium in Brittany honored the victims of Friday's carnage.

"These are small things compared to the tragic context. It's our way of paying homage to the victims," Lorient president Loic Fery said. "Everyone's been affected, whether you're young or old. But the show must go on, as the English say."

One banner featured a giant Eiffel Tower, while another read: "La France Souffre Mais Ne Meurt Pas" - "France Is Suffering But Not Dying."

Security measures were stepped up in wake of the attacks, which began with explosions outside Stade de France - where France was playing Germany - and carried on with shootings elsewhere in the city.

Both adults and children were stringently searched entering the stadium, although the atmosphere seemed to be one of calm and cooperation.

There were no away fans at any games this weekend, so as not to stretch France's overworked police forces any further.

Paris Saint-Germain extended their advantage at the top of the French Ligue 1 to 13 points after their 2-1 victory over Lorient.

© AFP

With PSG holding a sizeable lead over Lyon, which lost 3-0 away to Nice on Friday, PSG coach Laurent Blanc could afford to rest players.

He kept forward Edinson Cavani and defender Marquinhos on the bench and handed rare starts to Ongenda and center half Presnel Kimpembe, but PSG's defense was almost caught out early on when Moukandjo found himself clean through but failed to control the ball.

Lorient paid for that miss in the 26th minute, when Ibrahimovic released fullback Gregory van der Wiel down the right and his cross was neatly finished by Ongenda, who twice patted his heart after celebrating his goal.

"I hadn't played in the league for a long time, so to score was great," Ongenda said. "I'm surrounded by great players, it's a case of working hard."

He was involved in the second goal, swapping passes with Ibrahimovic, who then picked out Matuidi near the penalty spot and the France midfielder finished neatly with the side of his foot in the 32nd.

But it was an evening when celebrations were muted.

"I don't really want to talk about football much," Blanc said. "I just want to get home."