# Ligue 1 Round 18: Paris Commands First, Nice Climbs to Sixth

The 18th round of Ligue 1 delivered a mix of high drama and dominant performances, with Paris Saint-Germain and Nice leading the charge. Paris extended their lead at the top, while Nice continued their ascent up the table. Here’s a breakdown of the key matches and performances.

## Paris Saint-Germain Maintains Title Charge

Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated their title credentials with a commanding 3-1 victory over Metz. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a clinical finish, while Marquinhos added a second goal with a powerful header. The hosts dominated possession and defense, keeping Metz at bay. Paris now sits comfortably at the top of the table, with a five-point lead over second-placed Marseille. Their attacking depth and defensive solidity continue to be key factors in their title race.

## Nice Climb to Sixth Places

Nice also made waves on Sunday, securing a 3-1 win over Strasbourg to climb to sixth place. Gaëtan Laborde and Khéphren Thuram scored for Nice, while Strasbourg’s early goal was countered by a strong second-half response. Nice’s consistency in defense and attack has been a surprise package this season, with their recent form making them a potential candidate for a European spot.

## Other Matches

Elsewhere, Marseille and Lyon failed to maintain their momentum, drawing 1-1 with Montpellier and losing 2-1 to Monaco, respectively. Rennes and PSG’s next opponents, while Lyon’s form is a cause for concern as they drop out of the top half.

## Conclusion

The 18th round highlighted the strength of Paris Saint-Germain and Nice’s growing influence in Ligue 1. Paris continues to lead the pack, while Nice’s recent form positions them as a potential dark horse in the title race. With the table becoming increasingly competitive, the battle for second and third will be fierce. For now, Paris is in command, but the race for the championship is far from over.