Nothing classical about PSG-Marseille clash

Paris: There was nothing “Classique” about it as Paris St Germain and bitter rivals Marseille conjured up an uninspiring 0-0 draw in relentless rain in the French capital.

Billed as the Ligue 1 clash to rival Spain’s El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, this was a poor advert for French football and did little to dispel the impression that reigning champions PSG are struggling to get to grips with coach Unai Emery’s methods.

Misfiring PSG striker Edinson Cavani had an evening to forget on Sunday and the damp stalemate leaves his side in third, two points behind Monaco and six adrift of surprise leaders Nice, who won again despite missing the injured Mario Balotelli.

“It’s clear that the draw is not a good result for us,” said Emery.

Struggling in mid-table, Marseille, under new American ownership and new coach Rudi Garcia in charge for the first time, were pinned back for long periods but the Parisians did little with the ball.

“It’s a positive result. Mission accomplished as we didn’t have a shot on goal,” said Garcia.

It took until 10 minutes before the break for the first real chance of the game, Cavani heading wastefully over for the home side when unmarked and then Serge Aurier shooting straight at Marseille goalkeeper Yohann Pele.

Both teams emerged with more intent for the second half and captain Bafetimbi Gomis had an early and rare sniff of goal for Marseille, for whom Garcia is their fourth different coach since the start of last season, underlining the instability that has blighted the fallen giants.

Alassane Plea grabbed a hat-trick as Ligue 1 leaders Nice continued their terrific start to the season with a thrilling 4-2 victory at promoted Metz.

With Balotelli out with a thigh injury, Plea assumed the lead role for Lucien Favre’s unbeaten side and netted the opener on 12 minutes before adding a second from the penalty spot after Georges Mandjeck had equalised.

Substitute Habib Diallo made it 2-2 midway through the second half for Metz but Plea struck for a third time on 84 minutes before Wylan Cyprien wrapped up the points in injury time.

Earlier, on-loan duo Henri Saivet and Jordan Veretout scored their first St Etienne goals since returning to France from Newcastle and Aston Villa in a 2-0 win away to Caen. Monaco reclaimed second place on Friday from PSG with a 6-2 demolition of Montpellier at the Stade Louis II.