With the FA Cup taking the spotlight this weekend, the Premier League will have to wait for a few days to resume. However, Europe’s top leagues didn’t leave football fans wanting on Saturday.
Over in Germany, Bayern Munich felt the heat in their tight Bundesliga title race, while Paris Saint-Germain in France had the chance to march ever closer to another Ligue 1 championship. Moreover, with Juventus starting the Igor Tudor era against Genoa, it was a day full of intriguing storylines.
Let’s dive into the highlights of each match.
### Saint-Etienne 1-6 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain took a giant stride toward capturing the Ligue 1 crown by dismantling Saint-Etienne, despite a shaky start at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Lucas Stassin fired the home team ahead with a ninth-minute header, giving a hint of an upset. But PSG soon found their rhythm with Goncalo Ramos equalizing from the spot just before halftime.
In the second half, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tipped the scales in PSG’s favor, and Desire Doue’s swift double, coupled with strikes from Joao Neves and Ibrahim Mbaye, sealed a resounding victory. A mere draw against Angers next Saturday will suffice for PSG to secure the title.
### Juventus 1-0 Genoa
Juventus ushered in the Igor Tudor era on a positive note, as they edged past Genoa, enhancing their chances for a Champions League spot. Kenan Yildiz was the hero of the evening, showcasing a brilliant solo effort capped by a sharp near-post finish to put Juve ahead.
With this victory, the Bianconeri nudged closer to the top four, just a point shy of Bologna, who narrowly defeated Venezia. Meanwhile, Roma’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Lecce keeps them in hot pursuit, a mere three points behind Juventus and trailing Bologna by four.
### Bayern Munich 3-2 St. Pauli
Bayern Munich restored their six-point cushion atop the Bundesliga after a tense battle with St. Pauli. With Bayer Leverkusen having trimmed that lead to three after toppling Bochum the day before, Bayern needed to respond strongly.
Harry Kane initiated proceedings, converting a fine cross from Michael Olise mid-way through the first half. Although St. Pauli’s Elias Saad offered a quick response, Leroy Sane’s second-half brace, with assists from Olise and Kane, put Bayern back in control. A late goal from Lars Ritzka for St. Pauli did little to impact the outcome. Bayern now set their sights on potentially stretching their lead to nine points when they meet Augsburg on Friday.
### Espanyol 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid faced yet another stumbling block in their quest for LaLiga glory as they were held to a draw by Espanyol, courtesy of a late penalty. Cesar Azpilicueta lit up the match with an unexpected 38th-minute volley, a rare stunner from the seasoned defender.
However, Atletico couldn’t capitalize on their lead, and the tables turned when Clement Lenglet’s ill-timed tackle resulted in a penalty. Javi Puado made no mistake from the spot, leveling the match and delivering a blow to Atletico’s title ambitions. Following Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Leganes, Atletico finds themselves six points adrift of both Real and league leaders Barcelona.
