Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of winning the Ligue 1 title were dealt a blow as they were beaten 3-1 by Nice last night.Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli opened the scoring in the first half with a coolly taken finish.It was the Italian’s 16th goal of the season and his fourth in four matches. And Balotelli would probably have a better tally if he hadn’t received three red cards this season.Ricardo Pereira doubled Nice’s lead shortly after half-time with a wonderful left-footed effort from the edge of the area but the hosts ensured a nervy finish when Marquinhos pulled a goal back for Unai Emery’s side in the 64th minute.But PSG’s hopes of a comeback were crushed when Thiago Motta was sent off for a headbutt on Nice captain Paul Baysse in the 90th minute.Minutes later, Anastasios Donis sealed the win.
Di Maria was sent off
There was more drama to come, though. Former Manchester United man Angel di Maria was shown a straight red card for a horrific lunge on Arnaud Souquet that summed up PSG’s frustration.
Brilliant result for Monaco
Nice’s victory was the perfect result for Ligue 1 leaders Monaco, who hold a three point lead and a game in hand over PSG as the end of the season approaches.
The Parisians still have work to do if they are to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League group stages. Nice closed the gap to three points, ensuring the battle will go down to the wire.
Cassano: Balotelli is overrated
Balotelli’s goal came at the end of a week in which he was labelled “overrated” by former Italy international Antonio Cassano.
“I wish Mario the best, and he is doing well in France, but he and [Paul] Pogba have been very lucky in life,” Cassano said, per FourFourTwo.
But Balotelli’s teammate, Younes Belhanda, insists the enigmatic forward is a “world star”.
“He is a world star and is recognised everywhere,” Belhanda recently told Goal.
“When you have Mario Balotelli coming to OGC Nice, that’s a big thing!
“He can unlock a situation at any time. We have seen him throughout the season when we are stuck at 1-1 or 0-0, he has managed to get a goal.”
Balotelli had a hilarious moment v PSG
Balotelli summed up his style in the second half when he began showboating on the left touchline with Nice leading 2-0.
PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi wasn’t having any of it. He charged towards Balotelli and clattered into him.
It’s the most obvious foul you’ll see this week. Check it out below.