PSG send Liverpool warning with rout of Lille in Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain cruised to a 4-1 win over Lille on Saturday to extend their lead in France to 16 points ahead of their heavyweight Champions League clash with Liverpool.

Bradley Barcola, Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue all struck in the first half at the Parc des Princes as PSG extended their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 this season to 24 matches.

“It’s a perfect scenario ahead of a game like the one against Liverpool,” said PSG captain Marquinhos.

“We’re in great shape and all the signs are good. We’re winning and we’re full of confidence. We must not stop and the staff are pushing us hard to give it our all.”

Jonathan David grabbed a consolation after coming on as a substitute for Lille, who go to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the first leg of their last 16 tie.

PSG are cantering towards an 11th league title in 13 years but will face the biggest test of their season over the next two weeks against runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool, who had a rare weekend off.

“I don’t know if we sent a message today, we’ve been in good form for a while,” said Marquinhos. “We really wanted to prepare well for the Champions League and that’s what we’ve done.”

Luis Enrique picked a strong team to face Lille including a number of probable starters against Liverpool on Wednesday, and PSG put the result beyond doubt inside the opening half hour.

Barcola turned in the rebound to give PSG a sixth-minute lead after Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier parried Dembele’s effort right into his path.

Marquinhos headed in a second from Doue’s cross and Dembele drilled in to make it 3-0 on 28 minutes, notching his league-leading 18th goal of the campaign.

A brilliant strike from Doue made it the fourth time in five games PSG have scored four at