Ramos header earns PSG late win over Nice

Nice defender Juma Bah appreciates his goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf after a brilliant save during the French L1 match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (AFP pic)

PARIS: Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored with a powerful header in the 94th minute to earn European champions Paris Saint-Germain a late 1-0 win over Nice in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Ramos finally turned PSG’s overwhelming possession into three points at the Parc des Princes and Luis Enrique’s side can now switch their focus to the visit of Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

After second-placed Monaco slumped to defeat to Paris FC, PSG extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points but Marseille can cut the gap if they beat Auxerre later on Saturday.

It was the introduction of Ramos in the 72nd minute in place of Senny Mayulu that proved the injection of attacking thrust that PSG needed.

Ramos, making his 100th appearance for PSG, forced a fine save from Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf shortly before his decisive goal.

As the seconds ticked down, the Portuguese international connected from close range with a corner from Lee Kang-in that was glanced on by the head of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Ramos gave the corner flag a karate kick in celebration as the home fans roared their approval.

Meanwhile, Monaco suffered their first home defeat of the season as they slipped to a 1-0 loss at home to Paris FC, ending a promising unbeaten four-match run for new coach Sebastien Pocognoli.

Experienced Nigerian international Moses Simon gave the visitors the lead in the 53rd minute and Monaco’s insipid performance was summed up when Takumi Minamino stabbed wide in second-half stoppage time.

Monaco will have to pick themselves up for the journey to the Arctic Circle to face Norwegian side Bodo Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday.