Uninspired PSG held by gritty Montpellier to 0-0

Montpellier put on a spirited and gritty display to hold Paris Saint-Germain to a goalless draw as the French league leader dropped its first points of the season on yesterday.

PSG, which won its previous six league matches but met Montpellier without the injured Neymar, was uninspired throughout and saw its lead over defending champion Monaco cut to just one point. Monaco thrashed Lille 4-0 on Friday.

"We came here to win ahead of Bayern's visit, it was very important," said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, referring to Bayern Munich's trip to Paris in the Champions League next week. "We need to forget this game."

Montpellier's defensive strategy worked well throughout the match and prevented PSG from creating chances. The hosts deliberately left the ball possession to the opposition, and PSG players struggled to adapt to the poor pitch at Stade de La Mosson.

Pressing high on the pitch, the hosts played aggressively and were able to launch fast counterattacks. PSG's three-man midfield of Marco Verratti, Adrien Rabiot and Thiago Motta often looked clueless and static.

In the absence of Neymar, who was ruled out with a minor toe injury but is expected to play against Bayern, Kylian Mbappe was the most dangerous PSG player.

Ligue 1

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