PSG beat Metz 5-0 to maintain huge lead in French league

PARIS, Mar 11 (AP): After again falling short in the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain got back into the routine of dominating the French league by crushing last-place Metz 5-0 on Saturday.

The win maintained PSG's 14-point lead over second-place Monaco with only nine games left, and kept it on course for a fifth title in six seasons.

But beating a feeble Metz side will do precious little to take the pressure off beleaguered coach Unai Emery, who is expected to leave at the end of the season after PSG went out in the last 16 of the Champions League for the second straight season.

PSG lost at home to Real Madrid 2-1 on Tuesday for a 5-2 aggregate defeat, and Emery was jeered by sections of the Parc des Princes crowd on Saturday.

"It allows us to turn the page on Tuesday," Emery said somewhat hopefully. "We needed to win after going out. We're continuing on our path."

With top scorer Edinson Cavani suspended and world-record signing Neymar recovering from surgery on his right foot, there were some unfamiliar scorers against Metz.

Attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku scored twice after right back Thomas Meunier gave the home side an early lead, and striker Kylian Mbappe made it 4-0 in first-half injury time.

"It's important to give the young players some games," Emery said. "(Nkunku) is working hard in training. He needs to improve by playing more games. We're happy with him."

Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima kept the score down with some fine saves in the second half, including from Liberia President George Weah's son, Timothy Weah.