PSG beat Marseille to edge closer to title but 'ultras' refuse to celebrate

Neymar and Mbappe on target in 2-1 win over bitter rivals and can clinch an eighth Ligue 1 title in 10 seasons this week

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe shoots during the Ligue 1 match against Marseille at the Parc des Princes in Paris on April 17, 2022. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, right, if fouled by Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car. EPA

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe controls the ball. AFP

PSG's Kylian Mbappe reacts after sustaining an injury. AP Photo

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe scores a penalty to make it 2-1 against Marseille in first-half injury time. The match would finish with the same scoreline. AFP

Marseille goalkeeper Pau López looks on after failing to stop Kylian Mbappe's penalty. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the French L1 football match between Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) and Olympique Marseille (OM) at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on April 17, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Marseille's French defender William Saliba fights for the ball with Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe. AFP

PSG's Neymar, left, controls the ball. AP Photo

Paris Saint Germain's Neymar dribbles past Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car, right, and Matteo Guendouzi. EPA

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar reacts after being fouled. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar reacts after a missed chance. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar celebrates after scoring his team's first goal. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar celebrates after scoring his team's first goal. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi fights for the ball with Marseille's French midfielder Pape Gueye. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi controls the ball. AFP

PSG's Lionel Messi controls the ball. AP Photo

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring before his effort was ruled out following a VAR check. AFP

Lionel Messi in action. Reuters

Lionel Messi takes a tumble. Reuters

Kylian Mbappe's penalty proved decisive as Paris Saint-Germain beat bitter rivals Marseille 2-1 on Sunday, putting them on the cusp of being crowned French champions potentially this week.

After Duje Caleta-Car had cancelled out Neymar's opener for PSG, French World Cup winner Mbappe converted from the spot in first-half stoppage time after the referee awarded a penalty for handball on a VAR review to restore PSG's lead.

PSG are 15 points clear of second-placed Marseille with six games remaining and Mauricio Pochettino's side stand poised to reclaim the trophy they relinquished to Lille last season.

If Marseille fail to beat Nantes on Wednesday then PSG can clinch their eighth Ligue 1 title in 10 seasons if they have a better result against Angers.

Despite the apparently high stakes for the biggest fixture in French football, there was a distinctly flat atmosphere at the Parc des Princes.

Authorities banned Marseille fans from the game over concerns of possible violence, a recurring theme in France in recent months.

Meanwhile PSG 'ultras', the most vocal members of their support, have decided to stay silent until the end of the season in protest at the club's management and at results in a campaign marked by the Champions League last-16 exit to Real Madrid.

In any case, a record-equalling 10th French championship in their history has never really been in doubt for PSG, even before their current run of three straight wins in which Neymar and Mbappe have each scored six times.

"We always want to see our supporters transmit their energy and make it a spectacle," Pochettino said.

"In recent games since we went out of the Champions League the fans have expressed their anger and disappointment, and they are free to show that they are unhappy.

"That the club is in a position to win the 10th league title in its history is a big thing and it is a shame that we can't all share that happiness together."

Neymar gave PSG a 12th-minute lead, meeting a flighted ball forward by Marco Verratti and lobbing stranded goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

Marseille drew level just after the half-hour as Gianluigi Donnarumma made a mess of dealing with a corner, allowing Caleta-Car to prod home on the line.

Lopez saved a Neymar free-kick and Lionel Messi had two goals disallowed for offside before PSG were awarded the penalty deep in first-half stoppage time.

Valentin Rongier blocked a shot with his thigh, the ball ricocheting up and striking his elbow, an infringement spotted by the referee after he was invited over to the pitchside monitor.

Mbappe's successful penalty was his 21st Ligue 1 goal this season and 32nd in all competitions.

The France star had another effort disallowed for offside in the second half.