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Lavezzi wants strong PSG response

Ezequiel Lavezzi has urged Paris Saint-Germain to respond to their Coupe de France exit to Evian with a Ligue 1 victory over Nice. 

PSG lost 4-1 on penalties after being held to a 1-1 draw in the quarter-final encounter by the Annecy-based outfit and, although he admitted he is disappointed, Lavezzi has urged his side to put the setback behind them. 

"No-one even thought about losing and being eliminated from the Coupe de France in the quarter-finals," the 27-year-old told the club's official website. 

"But that's what happened.  We don't have time to cry over spilt milk.  We have to focus on the Nice match, this Sunday, which is a crucial match for us if we want to win the title. 

"This will be a very important game.  Even if nothing has been decided yet, we are in a good position to win the title. 

"We have to overcome the fatigue of those 30 minutes of extra-time and penalties on Wednesday, so that we can match with them physically, because the games are coming thick and fast at the moment." 

Carlo Ancelotti's side hold a six-point lead over Marseille at the top of Ligue 1 despite having played a game less, and midfielder Javier Pastore stressed the importance of victory over Nice. 

"This is a very important match for us because a win is another big step towards the title," the 23-year-old midfielder said. 

"We need to give the absolute maximum to claim all three points.  We need to be motivated and confident to get a win that will set us up for the remaining matches of the season."