The Parisians are a huge 16 points clear at the top after thumping Rennes 4-1, with closest challengers Marseille losing 1-0 at home to Lens later on Saturday. Luis Enrique's PSG side were ultimately comfortable winners despite the coach making eight changes to his line-up in between the two legs of the Liverpool tie, with the return at Anfield coming up on Tuesday.

"We are in perfect condition to go and take on Liverpool. We have nothing to lose and we will give everything to try to qualify," for the quarter-finals, said Luis Enrique. "It was difficult but we put in a serious performance and it gives us lots of hope before going to Liverpool," the Spaniard added of his team's display.

Marseille dominated from the off at home to Lens as they looked to cement their grip on second place. However, they were denied by an obstinate Lens side and by some inspired goalkeeping from the visitors' Mathew Ryan. The Australian tipped an Amine Gouiri shot onto the bar in the first half and saved from both Luis Henrique and Neal Maupay late on.

Lens, who had lost their last four matches, then won the game in the 94th minute as Deiver Machado set up Neil El Aynaoui to deliver the sucker punch. Elsewhere on Saturday, Lille were 1-0 winners at home to Montpellier in a game that fell in between the two legs of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.

Jonathan David scored the only goal early in the second half, the Canadian netting his 14th of the campaign in Ligue 1. Lille are fifth in the table, behind Monaco in fourth on goal difference. They entertain Dortmund on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 in the first leg in Germany.

N. El Aynaoui

Achievements