PSG had lost their past three matches — including back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semis — and needed an added-time goal to draw at home with lowly Le Havre in Ligue 1.
Record 12-time French champions PSG were missing star striker Kylian Mbappe as he nursed a sore hamstring sustained in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at home to Toulouse.
It made little difference in Nice as PSG went 2-0 up midway through the first half with goals from winger Bradley Barcola and 18-year-old defender Yoram Zague.
Bradley Barcola en détonateur 💥, Yoram Zague en finisseur ⚽�— Ligue 1 Uber Eats (@Ligue1UberEats) #OGCNPSG (1-2) | @PSG_inside pic.twitter.com/Y9ZOgozrfJMay 15, 2024
Forward Mohamed-Ali Cho pulled one back for the hosts in the 32nd minute, who also had defender Melvin Bard shown a straight red card in the 75th for body-checking Barcola near the halfway line as he sprinted clear.
Nice's defeat ended their hopes of finishing fourth and entering the Champions League qualifying rounds. But home fans still applauded the players after the game with fifth place and a Europa League spot guaranteed next season.
Third-placed Lille and fourth-placed Brest are level on points heading into Sunday's final round of matches, with the team finishing third earning direct entry in the Champions League.
If he's fit to play, Mbappe's final league game for PSG will be at Metz.
Mbappe confirmed last Friday that he is leaving and is widely expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.
In Thursday's (AEST) other game, Marseille missed the chance to move level on points with Lens and Lyon in the scrap for sixth spot after losing 1-0 at Reims.
Reims scored in the 33rd minute when a cross from Japan winger Junya Ito was turned into his own net by Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba.
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