AFP

PARIS PARIS Saint Germain rekindled hopes of a first French league championship success in 18 years on Sunday after squeezing past old rivals Marseille 2-1 at the Parc des Princes.

The three points moved the big-spending capital club level on 63 points with Montpellier at the top of Ligue 1 - although the Parisians have played a game more.

PSG, who ended the game with ten men after a late red card for Mohamed Sissoko, made the ideal start as Jeremy Menez put them into the lead after just six minutes following good work by Brazilian Nene, who cut in from the left and set up a chance which Menez fired past Steve Mandanda.

Ghanaian Andre Ayew got the equaliser after 59 minutes but PSG reacted straight away and two minutes later Alex Costa bagged his second goal for the Parisians.

The swift advantage was a boon for a PSG side on edge after last week’s 2-1 loss at Nancy, which meant a first league defeat under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“This match has given us confidence,” said Ancelotti.

“After four games without a win it was very important to win again.” Sunday’s win was only their third in their past nine outing.

Ancelotti sprang a surprise before kickoff in leaving strikers Guillaume Hoarau and Kevin Gameiro out of his starting line-up - though plenty of creative talent was there in the shape of Nene, Javier Pastore and Menez.