Lyon lose ground on leaders PSG after Bordeaux stalemate

Olympique Lyonnais fell two points behind Ligue 1 leaders Paris St Germain after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Girondins de Bordeaux on Saturday. Having lost 1-0 to Montpellier last time out, Lyon went in front in the first half through Memphis Depay — the Dutchman’s fourth goal of the season.

However, the hosts’ task was made all the more difficult when Thiago Mendes was sent off after a second booking — Lyon’s second red card in as many matches.

Lyon, who have seven points from four games, could not hold out with 10 men as Jimmy Briand equalised in the 67th minute, with the visitors then missing several chances to snatch the win.

Depleted Paris Saint-Germain gave debuts to two teenagers but still won 2-0 at Metz on Friday in a another Ligue 1 game interrupted by fan banners.

Angel Di Maria and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored the goals the visitors needed to win an undistinguished game and move to the top of the table.

“We won, and that was important,” said Di Maria.

Neymar, who reportedly wants to return to Spain, was again left out of the squad as negotiations over his potential transfer drag on.

“It depends on Barcelona. We were open to talk,”

PSG sporting director Leonardo said after the game in Metz, adding that there was no agreement yet with Barcelona.

“We have always said that he could leave if a proposal that satisfies us arrives. This is not the case.”

Another player who has become the centre of speculation, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, dropped to the bench.

Areola, a France international, is reportedly set to go to Real Madrid in a swap for veteran Costa Rican Keylor Navas.

PSG also started without the injured pair of Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.

“It wasn’t easy because this week there were a lot of possibilities to be distracted,” said PSG manager Thomas Tuchel.

Marcin Bulka started instead of Areola, making his senior professional debut. The 19-year-old Pole arrived in the summer after spending three seasons in the Chelsea youth system.

PSG also gave a debut to midfielder Adil Aouchiche. At 17 years and six weeks, he was their youngest ever Ligue 1 starter.

Agence France-Presse