Ferran Torres gives PSG first Ligue 1 win
Paris Saint-Germain finally opened their Ligue 1 account with a 1-0 victory at Brest on Sunday. Ferran Torres scored after five minutes, combining with João Neves and Ousmane Dembélé before bending a low finish into the corner. The champions had collected only two points from their opening three league matches, following draws with Rennes and Lille and a 2-1 defeat by Monaco. Torres, who joined from Barcelona during the close season, followed his midweek hat-trick against Slovan Bratislava with another decisive goal. The result moved PSG to eight points and ended an uncharacteristically slow domestic start.
Brest had opportunities to equalise, with Kamory Doumbia hitting the outside of the post after Nuno Mendes gave the ball away and later forcing a sharp save from Matvey Safonov with a header. PSG therefore had to withstand pressure rather than cruise to victory, despite chances for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and others. Torres now has six goals in five appearances for the club in all competitions, strengthening his early influence in Luis Enrique’s attack. Brest’s players wore ‘King’ on their shirts in tribute to former coach Eric Roy, who died in June aged 58.
Lille move top after defeating Troyes 2-0
Lille moved to the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-0 home victory over Troyes on Sunday, reaching 10 points from four matches. Tiago Santos put the hosts ahead in the first half before Ethan Mbappé sealed the win in stoppage time. The result lifted Lille above Monaco and Rennes on goal difference and continued their strong start under new coach Davide Ancelotti. Lille had lost at home to Real Betis in the Champions League during the week, but recovered domestically with a controlled performance and another important result in the early title race.
Mbappé’s goal carried added significance after the 19-year-old was sent off in Lille’s midweek European defeat for elbowing an opponent. Coming off the bench against Troyes, he scored his first goal since December and reportedly apologised to supporters after celebrating. Lille have now taken 10 points from a possible 12 under Ancelotti, whose arrival has coincided with an immediate improvement in results and discipline. The narrow margin at the summit means Monaco and Rennes remain level with Lille on points, leaving the leading positions finely balanced after four rounds.
Lens recover from two-goal deficit at Le Mans
RC Lens fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at promoted Le Mans on Sunday, preventing the hosts from recording their first Ligue 1 victory since 2010. Adil Bourabaa headed Le Mans in front in the 32nd minute after Louis Mafouta’s effort struck the crossbar, and Lucas Calodat doubled the advantage before half-time on the counter-attack. Lens responded through Abdallah Sima in stoppage time, then substitute Franjo Ivanovic equalised six minutes into the second half with another header. The point moved Lens to four points after four matches, while Le Mans remained without a win.
The comeback offered some relief for Lens after two defeats in their first three league fixtures, although they were unable to complete the turnaround. Thorgan Hazard struck the crossbar with a free-kick in the 80th minute, underlining how close the visitors came to taking all three points. Le Mans had looked capable of holding on after an energetic first half, but Lens’ response changed the match quickly after the interval. For the promoted side, the performance showed competitive promise while leaving them still searching for a first top-flight victory of the campaign.
Monaco expect renewed interest in Lamine Camara
Monaco are reportedly preparing for further interest in midfielder Lamine Camara after Chelsea’s deadline-day move collapsed. According to Yahoo Sports Canada, Chelsea had agreed a fee of around £47 million for the Senegal international, but Monaco withdrew from the deal during a chaotic conclusion to the transfer window. Liverpool have since added the 22-year-old to a shortlist of midfield options for January, creating the possibility of renewed competition for his signature. Monaco are understood to believe Camara could command more than £60 million if rival interest develops into a bidding battle.
Camara discussed the failed Chelsea transfer earlier this week and said there had been a possibility he could leave before turning his attention back to Monaco. The midfielder therefore remains with the Ligue 1 club, while the situation could become a storyline through the autumn if Liverpool and Chelsea maintain their interest. Monaco’s position gives them leverage in any future negotiations, particularly if Camara continues to feature prominently in France. For now, the reported January pursuit adds uncertainty around one of the club’s key young assets without changing his immediate status in the squad.