Anastasios Donis his strike against PSG

A superb goal from Nice's Ricardo Pereira dealt Paris Saint-Germain a severe blow in their bid to win the Ligue 1 title at the Allianz Riviera.

PSG were looking to go level on points with league leaders Monaco, but were comfortably beaten 3-1 before ending a fiery contest with nine men.

Thiago Motta and Angel Di Maria were sent off in the dying moments as the visitors' frustrations got the better of them, but Nice were always in control as they moved to within three points of their opponents.

Pereira was the main man to make a difference on the night, setting up Mario Balotelli in the first half following a fine break, before the former Liverpool and Manchester City striker held off a challenge and hit a fine finish into the bottom corner for his 14th goal of the season.

Pereira was then on the end of another fine counter after half-time, cutting in onto his weaker foot before curling high into the top corner to double the lead.

PSG finally pulled a goal back after the hour mark when Marquinhos flicked in from Thiago Silva's header as Nice's struggles at set-pieces continued, but they were unable to push for an equaliser as they grew more frustrated.

Lucas volleyed wide with five minutes remaining before Motta was given a straight red for an off-the-ball incident and Di Maria's wild lunge also saw him sent off deep into stoppage time.

Anastasios Donis added a third, heading in at the back post, as Nice wrapped up the win to leave Unai Emery's side three points behind Monaco having played a game more.

Mario Balotelli bagged his 14th goal of the season against PSG

Florian Thauvin struck a hat-trick as Marseille boosted their hopes of European football next season with a 5-1 victory at Caen.

There was a dramatic start to the game as Marseille scored twice in the opening five minutes through Thauvin and Maxime Lopez.

Ivan Santini halved the deficit after nine minutes, but 19-year-old Lopez (27) restored the visitors' two-goal cushion as he became the youngest Marseille player to score a brace in Ligue 1 for 30 years.

PSG are three points off leaders Monaco have played a game mroe

Thauvin, who is on loan from Newcastle, took his league tally for the season to 15 with further strikes after 63 and 89 minutes as Marseille coasted home.

Dijon gained a valuable point in the relegation battle with a goalless draw at home to Bordeaux, moving them out of the bottom three at the expense of Caen.