Ancelotti pleased with fighting spirit

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed his side’s character after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Montpellier at Parc des Princes.

Former Chelsea defender Alex put the Ligue 1 leaders ahead with a thumping free-kick, but Younes Belhanda levelled matters before John Utaka looked to have sealed all three points for the visitors when he netted with eight minutes remaining.

But Guillaume Hoarau popped up with a late equaliser for PSG, much to the delight of Ancelotti.

“It was a difficult match against a good team, very well organized,” the Italian said.

“We encountered difficulties in building the play and in the recovery of the ball but, in the end, the hard work paid off.”

“We had a fantastic reaction to score the second goal. We have not lost and this is a good result.”

PSG midfielder Nene said the players deserved praise for salvaging a point from the top-of-the-table clash.

“We showed character,” the Brazilian said. “We refused to let go right until the end.”

“Fortunately, we were able to score the second goal and I think it’s a fair result.”

The draw means PSG remain one point ahead of Montpellier in the standings.