The context
Thiago Silva, Ney, Mbappé: Thomas Tuchel had some of his key figures back, ready to send out a strong signal to start the new year. In 2019, the Parisians will challenge on all fronts, including the Coupe de France, the trophy they have lifted the last four seasons. Seeking their 25th successive win in the competition, the Rouge-et-Bleu were overwhelming favourites against fifth-tier Pontivy in a David and Goliath tie.
The key moments
It took time - the minnows stayed in touch for 70 minutes - but eventually the capital club's class told. It had been evident when Mbappé tested Clément Daoudou (19'), before the first goal of the year came...from the hosts Sylvain Julé, who turned the ball into his own goal after good work from Ney (0-1, 24'). The Brazilian was at it again when he found the woodwork with a free-kick before Christopher Nkunku saw an effort ruled out (31').
Having used a lot of energy before the break to hang on to the coattails of their opponents, the Breton hosts left more space to be exploited after it. Daoudou turned aside a Julian Draxler effort (68'), but Ney managed to break down the Pontivy goalkeeper's resistance to add the second (0-2, 70'). Mbappé then won and finished a penalty to make it three (0-3, 77'), before Draxler - teed up by Ney - brilliantly lobbed in number four (0-4, 87'). Four goals for the four divisions between the two...
A Parisian in the match: Neymar Jr
He was the main attraction at the Stade du Moustoir in Lorient, and lived up to his billing. Technically brilliant, he was involved in three of the four goals, recording a goal and assist. He registered his 45th goal in 50 appearances for the club. And there are still five months of the season left...
The word: Comeback
247 days after his last competitive appearance (in May 2018), Layvin Kurzawa is back! The France international played 62 minutes on the left side at the Moustoir, the same venue where he made his L1 career (with Monaco in 2010).
What's next?
While waiting to find out who their Last 32 opponent will be (22/23 January), Paris will have their hands full. On Wednesday, the Rouge-et-Bleu face Guingamp in the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals. The target: a place in the last four and a 22nd successive win in the competition.