Ousmane Dembele scored twice as PSG beat Toulouse 3-1, cementing their Ligue 1 lead ahead of a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.

PARIS: Ousmane Dembele scored a stunning volley and a close-range finish to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 victory over Toulouse. The win solidifies PSG’s position at the top of Ligue 1 ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.

The reigning European champions host Liverpool in the first leg next Wednesday. They will travel to Anfield for the return leg on April 14 in a repeat of last season’s last-16 encounter, which PSG won on penalties.

Dembele opened the scoring with a spectacular strike, meeting a clearance on the edge of the box and volleying into the top corner. Toulouse equalised four minutes later after a goalkeeping error from Matvey Safonov, but Dembele restored PSG’s lead just after the half-hour mark.

Substitute Goncalo Ramos wrapped up the win with a low shot from outside the area in injury time. The result ensures Luis Enrique’s side will finish the weekend four points clear of second-placed Lens.

“Today he showed why he is the Ballon d’Or,” manager Luis Enrique said of Dembele. “That is why we love Ousmane.”

PSG rested several key players who had just returned from international duty, including captain Marquinhos. Retaining the Champions League crown remains the absolute priority for the club, who are also on course for a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title.

 The Sun Malaysia