The Japan Times - PSG clash with Marseille postponed, Ansu Fati at the double for Monaco

The fixture between Marseille and PSG, the biggest in French football, was scheduled for late Sunday but was called off because local authorities feared forecast heavy rainfall would be a significant risk for both players and spectators.

With little space in a packed calendar and both clubs involved in the Champions League, the French league moved quickly to rearrange the fixture for Monday evening at 8:00 pm local time (1800 GMT).

That means the match will clash with the Ballon d'Or ceremony taking place in Paris, with a host of members of the PSG team that won the Champions League last season among the nominees for the biggest individual award in the sport.

Ousmane Dembele, who scored 35 goals for Luis Enrique's side in all competitions during their remarkable campaign, is the favourite to win the award -- he is currently injured and cannot play against Marseille.

There was plenty of drama in the matches that did go ahead in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Barcelona loanee Fati made a stunning impact off the bench for Monaco as the principality side bounced back from a 4-1 loss at Club Brugge in the Champions League on Thursday.

They appeared to be suffering a hangover as Metz went in front early on at the Stade Louis II through Habib Diallo, but Danish international Mika Biereth soon equalised for Monaco.

- Emegha gets winner for Strasbourg -

Fati scored a consolation goal off the bench in Bruges in his first appearance for Monaco since signing in July on a season-long loan from Barcelona, where his promising career had stalled due to injuries.

On Sunday, Fati was introduced at the start of the second half in place of German youngster Paris Brunner and needed just 40 seconds to find the net in Ligue 1 for the first time from a Lamine Camara assist.

Gauthier Hein brought Metz level again from a penalty awarded for a foul off the ball by Takumi Minamino.

Fati headed in a Krepin Diatta cross to restore Monaco's lead in the 83rd minute.

That was a third goal in two games in four days for a player who had not scored since November 2023, when he was on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

A Koffi Kouao own goal and a stoppage-time George Ilenikhena strike wrapped up a fourth win in five league outings for Monaco, who trail leaders PSG only on goal difference having played a game more.

Strasbourg, as well as Lyon, are also alongside the leaders on 12 points after a 3-2 win away to Paris FC in the capital.

Kendry Paez, who is on loan from Chelsea, gave Strasbourg the lead in the first half. Guela Doue got their second goal, only for Nouha Dicko to pull one back for the hosts.

The visitors made the points safe thanks to an 87th-minute effort by Emmanuel Emegha, the player whose recent announcement that he would join Chelsea next season has sparked protests among Strasbourg supporters.

Those fans are unhappy that Strasbourg are owned by the same BlueCo consortium which runs the Premier League club, although Liam Rosenior's team continue to enjoy impressive results on the field.

Paris FC pulled another goal back at the death but have now lost three of five games since coming up to the top flight.

Auxerre beat Toulouse 1-0 with a Danny Namaso goal, as they held on despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.

Le Havre and Lorient drew 1-1.

K.Inoue--JT