Paris, France Feb 28 (V7N) — Paris Saint-Germain faces a crucial test against Lille on Saturday, just days before their Champions League last-16 showdown with Liverpool at the Parc des Princes.

With a 13-point lead in Ligue 1, PSG is comfortably on course for an 11th league title in 13 seasons. They also cruised into the French Cup semi-finals after a 7-0 thrashing of fourth-tier Stade Briochin midweek.

However, the next two weeks will be defining for PSG’s season. Since their Qatari-backed takeover in 2011, domestic dominance has been expected—but their Champions League performances remain the true measure of success.

PSG vs. Lille: A Preview Before the Big Test

While Luis Enrique’s side is bracing for Liverpool, Lille is also preparing for their own Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund next Tuesday. Lille unsuccessfully requested to reschedule this match, arguing that French football authorities should have anticipated fixture congestion.

"My only regret is that the Champions League last 16 schedule has been set for a long time," said Lille coach Bruno Genesio. "There might have been a smarter way to avoid scheduling a Lille-PSG game right before a European tie."

Lille’s form has dipped since a 21-game unbeaten streak was ended by Liverpool last month. They remain without key winger Edon Zhegrova, who has been sidelined since mid-December due to a misdiagnosed groin injury.

PSG’s Key Player: Ousmane Dembélé

PSG’s attack will be led by Ousmane Dembélé, the league’s top scorer with 17 goals—including 12 goals in his last seven starts. His former Rennes teammate Benjamin Andre, now Lille’s captain, isn’t surprised by Dembélé’s transformation into a prolific scorer.

"He always had incredible skills, but he just needed things to click. Now he’s extraordinary—he’s two-footed, has great instinct, and his finishing was only a matter of time."

Elsewhere in Ligue 1

Marseille vs. Nantes (Sunday, 19:45 GMT): Marseille looks to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Auxerre while club president Pablo Longoria begins his 15-match ban for alleging corruption in French football.

Monaco vs. Reims (Friday, 19:45 GMT): Monaco hopes to stop their slump at home against an out-of-form Reims, who have dropped from 7th to 15th place after a 12-game winless streak.

Lyon vs. Brest (Sunday, 14:00 GMT): Lyon continues their revival under Pierre Sage, while Brest fights to stay in the Champions League qualification spots.

Montpellier vs. Rennes (Sunday, 16:15 GMT): Rennes, led by Habib Beye, faces bottom-placed Montpellier, who have conceded 54 goals this season, the second-worst in Ligue 1 history at this stage.

Player to Watch: Gaëtan Laborde (Nice)

Nice forward Gaëtan Laborde has been on fire, scoring eight goals in his last 10 games. After missing two months with a broken foot, he has become undroppable for manager Franck Haise. He will aim to add to his tally against Saint-Étienne, who suffered an 8-0 loss to Nice earlier in the season.

Ligue 1 Key Stats:

12 – Reims is winless in 12 matches, falling from 7th to 15th place.

19 – Nice has collected 19 points in 2025, the most alongside PSG.

54 – Montpellier has conceded 54 goals, the second-most at this stage of a season this century.

Upcoming Fixtures (All Times GMT):

Friday:

Monaco vs. Reims (19:45 GMT)

Saturday:

Saint-Étienne vs. Nice (16:00 GMT)

Lens vs. Le Havre (18:00 GMT)

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Lille (20:05 GMT)

Sunday:

Lyon vs. Brest (14:00 GMT)

Montpellier vs. Rennes (16:15 GMT)

Auxerre vs. Strasbourg (16:15 GMT)

Angers vs. Toulouse (16:15 GMT)

Marseille vs. Nantes (19:45 GMT)

With PSG and Lille battling ahead of their Champions League challenges, all eyes will be on Paris to see if Luis Enrique’s men can maintain momentum before their season-defining showdown with Liverpool.

END/SD/RH/