A real performance to get started in Ligue 1!

It was with a first trophy in their pocket and in excellent shape that Paris Saint-Germain plunged into this new Ligue 1 campaign! An exciting 2022-23 season that will see our Red and Blue defend their title over many months. The first stage of this great journey took us to Clermont. And it was the same starting line-up that started the Trophée des Champions that Christophe Galtier opted to go with as his side got themselves started with the twists and turns of the new league campaign.

We expected it: not only were the current champions expected across the four corners of the country by brave opposition. But they would also face serious opponents, full of confidence and determined to put on a footballing show. And the start of the match didn't disappoint.

After the home side had just about had the better start to the match, the unstoppable Neymar Jr - Messi duo, continued their impressive form from the summer on the pitches of Ligue 1. Some impressive skill to whet the appetite, some delightful link-up play, and even an early chance for the Brazilian (7'): the machine seemed to be well-oiled. And it was from a Sarabia cross that was flicked on by Leo Messi, that the n°10 decided to treat us, with an impressive half-volley! (0-1, 9').

That was enough to get Les Parisiens' appetites going. And with another counter attack driven by the duo, the Brazilian found Achraf Hakimi on the run, with the wing-back letting rip with a second-time strike into the back of the net! (0-2, 25')

Our Parisiens then decided it was time to take it one step further! From Vitinha to Nuno Mendes, and not forgetting Ramos, all of the visitors attacked time and time again from the edge of the Clermont box. With meaningful forward movement and dangerous set-pieces... The French champions varied the fun, and it was eventually a Neymar Jr free-kick that saw the Brazilian record another assist, when captain Marquinhos buried a header into the back of the net to worsen the bill (0-3, 39').

Christophe Galtier's side's determination remained intact after the break, with the desire to win every ball and to launch high-quality moves. You can take the example of the delightful move that Neymar Jr saw head into the net, but was eventually flagged offside (60'). The changes made by Christophe Galtier didn't alter the serious performance, nor the appetite of his players throughout. 

And then after the starter and the main course, Neymar Jr-Messi went to town once more for the dessert. It was from an amazing ball from the Brazilian that the Argentine made the score that bit worse with ten minutes to go until the end (0-4, 80’). A real delicacy, before the crème de la crème… From another smart move, Leo Messi, found himself unmarked in the box, brought the ball down in a way that only he could and then finished into the back of the net with a marvellous piece of acrobatic skill! (0-5, 85'). An absolute genius who received a standing ovation from the Stade Gabriel Montpied, in an almost final show of recognition. 

The perfect way to end the evening and an impressive team performance, where abnegation, solidarity and pleasure all were the words of the day. Bring on next weekend and the return to the atmosphere in the Parc des Princes!