Emery hails PSG character after fighting back to earn draw against Nice

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery praised his side's character after they overturned a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with title rivals Nice in Ligue 1.

A second-half brace from Edinson Cavani dragged Emery's side level after Nice had taken the lead through Wylan Cyprien's superb free-kick and then doubled their advantage when Alassane Plea scored on the cusp of half-time.

Cavani's double ensured the points were shared - Nice going top, four points ahead of the champions - but Emery remains under pressure after failing to take a victory from PSG's last three fixtures in all competitions.

PSG are third in Ligue 1, three points adrift of second-placed Monaco, and Emery said after the match: "This isn't a good result, but I'm glad of a lot of things. The reaction of the team is important for our morale. They showed me that it is a team with character.

"We will put the frustration behind us and move forward. We deserved to win. We haven't won the championship but we haven't lost it."

Emery refused to criticise Angel Di Maria after the Argentine winger failed to impress against Nice, adding: "I prefer to put my faith in Di Maria rather than reflect on his mistakes."

Meanwhile, Nice coach Lucien Favre reflected on two points dropped, and in doing so illustrated the progress his team has made this season.

Favre said: "We're a little disappointed, but it is relative.

"We are satisfied with the result. We wanted to score the third goal, so I regret the goal that made it 2-1 and gave PSG a lift, but we can also be satisfied with our response when they equalised to make it 2-2."

He added: "It was hard in the beginning, but luckily it went well for us. In the second half it turned the other way. We must accept it - that's football."