Zlatan Ibrahimovic's hat-trick against Lorient fires Paris Saint-Germain to top of Ligue 1

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hat-trick helped PSG defeat Lorient 3-1

Paris, March 21 (IANS) Thanks to a hat-trick by star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint-Germain defeated FC Lorient 3-1 at the Parc des Princes stadium here to move temporarily to the top of Ligue 1.

The defending champions opened the scoring just four minutes into the game on Friday. The 33-year-old Ibrahimovic converted a spot-kick after being tackled down inside the box by goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte while trying to receive a high ball, reports Xinhua.

Lorient, however, remained in the game and drew level midway through the second half courtesy of a fine Jordan Ayew strike.

Paris reclaimed the lead as Ibrahimovic scored another penalty after Lamine Kone fouled Javier Pastore in the area with just eight minutes remaining. The Swedish international wrapped up the points in stoppage time, lashing the ball past Lecomte after Marco Verratti robbed Ibrahim Ndong of possession to set him up.

With the victory, Laurent Blanc's side remain unbeaten at home in 22 matches in all competitions this season. They are a point above Lyon ahead of the latter's 30th-round game hosting Nice on Saturday.

Lorient, meanwhile, remain five points above the relegation zone for now.