PARIS — Coach Laurent Blanc criticized the attitude of his players after Paris Saint-Germain’s long unbeaten run finally came to an end Sunday night with a 2-1 defeat at Lyon, handing the runaway league leader a first loss in domestic competition for almost a year.
Lyon’s goals came in the first half from teenage forward Maxwel Cornet and Spanish midfielder Sergi Darder, while Brazilian winger Lucas replied for PSG.
"Nothing prepares you for such an average performance — for want of another word," Blanc said. "Lyon played very well and they were much better than us in terms of their attitude. They walked all over us and we had no response."
PSG’s lead over second-place Monaco is still a massive 23 points with 10 games remaining, however, and Blanc’s side remains firmly on track to defend its domestic treble.
"We will have to use this defeat to get back on track against Saint-Etienne (in the French Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday)," said Blanc, who also blamed his coaching for the defeat. "We were expecting a difficult game, but not this difficult. PSG was far too average to compete with Lyon, and that includes me."
The win moved Lyon up to third place on goal difference ahead of Caen.
It was only PSG’s second defeat in 42 games this season — the other was a 1-0 reverse away to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Nov. 3 — and the first domestic loss since a 3-2 reverse at Bordeaux in the French league on March 15.
Earlier, Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic made several smart saves as second-place Monaco held on for a 0-0 draw away to Nantes.
Caen won 2-1 at Saint-Etienne thanks to second-half goals from strikers Andy Delort and Ronny Rodelin.
Juventus beats Inter
A defensive error helped Juventus to a 2-0 win over Inter Milan in Serie A Sunday, provisionally stretching the four-time defending champion’s lead over Napoli to four points.
Juventus went ahead shortly after halftime following a free kick from Paulo Dybala on the right flank. Inter defender Danilo D’Ambrosio did a poor job of heading away Dybala’s kick and Leonardo Bonucci redirected it in by the near post.
Alvaro Morata added a penalty in the final minutes.
Inter remained fifth, one point ahead of city rival AC Milan.
The teams meet again Wednesday when Juventus takes a 3-0 lead into its return-leg visit to Inter in the Italian Cup semifinals.
Earlier, Sampdoria beat visiting Frosinone 2-0 for a key victory in the battle to avoid relegation.
Also, it was: Palermo 0, Bologna 0; Carpi 1, Atalanta 1; Chievo Verona 1, Genoa 0; and Udinese 2, Chievo Verona 0. — Agencies
