Lille travelled to the Parc des Princes as PSG's closest pursuers, second on goal-difference alone, but without a win in the capital since April 1996. They prevailed this time, though, with Jonathan David scoring the only goal of a game which saw Neymar Jr. sent off for the hosts.

"We're happy, it was a good performance," explained veteran centre-back Fonte, a UEFA Euro 2016 winner with Portugal. "It was a tough game against a great team. We were focused. We played to our strength, that is to say in a team block, united. We're happy, but there are still seven games left. Lots can happen. We must keep this desire. We're in the war, we're ambitious, but we must remain calm."

Footage emerged on LOSC's Twitter channel of the players, and indeed coach Christophe Galtier, celebrating in the changing room after the game. But Fonte wasn't the only squad member trying to keep his colleagues grounded.

"Over the past three years, Lille have done good things, we've beaten everyone," he said. "We must continue. There was madness in the locker room, but Mike Maignan spoke very quickly and calmed everyone down. It's a big win, yes, but there are 21 points left to play for. If we play like that for the last seven games, we have a chance."

Galtier had calmed down when he came back out for the post-match press conference.

"We're first, I'll let you make the commentary," he said. "We're in the battle, Lyon, Paris and Monaco too. The gap's small. We'll have to show the same commitment against Metz and Montpellier. We're well in the fight."