Paris continue on winning ways
The setting:
Six points; 12 goals scored in two matches, including the 9-0 demolition of Guingamp: Paris Saint-Germain have hit the ground running in Ligue 1 in 2019, as Rennes came to town. Rennes? A side that travel well in the league (4 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in their last 7 away matches), and often enjoy their trips to the capital (3 wins at the Parc since 2011)…
The match:
Chasing the score is not easy... especially when that first goal comes early in a game. When Edinson Cavani headed home the opening goal (1-0, 7'), it looked as though Rennes were going to learn it the hard way... And while Paris Saint-Germain could have extended their advantage through Kylian Mbappé (12') or Julian Draxler (18'), it was the Brittany side that backheeled themselves level through Niang (1-1, 28'). The former Caen striker got his side back on level terms before becoming the centre of a controversy: his horror tackle on Thilo Kehrer (33') somehow only received a yellow card - even after the VAR! Miraculously, Kehrer was able to continue. Despite late chances to Mbappé (45+2') and Angel Di Maria (45+3'), Rennes were all level at the break.
After the restart, Rennes continued to press high up the pitch. Their courage was admirable, but fraught with danger and Koubek was called upon to deny Draxler and then Mbappé (57'). Played in by Thiago Silva, Di Maria doubled the advantage with a chipped finish (2-1, 61')! Kylian used a different style: released by Draxler, Mbappé gave Koubek no chance with a ferocious finish (3-1, 67')! 20 years old and 18 goals in Ligue 1... but that's not all! With one touch, Kylian offerend Cavani the knockout blow (4-1, 72').
In 11 minutes, Rennes has imploded. 11, like the number of consecutive wins this season for Paris! 66 goals after 20 matches equals the record set by RC Paris in 1959-60 for the most goal scored and the capital club restored their 13-point lead over second-placed Lille (with two matches in hand!).
A Parisian in the match: Edinson Cavani
Following in the footsteps of an irrepressible Mbappé (18 goals in L1), is another seasoned goal-scoring machine: Edinson Cavani with 16! The ever-hungry El Matador has now scored in six of his last seven matches in L1 (11 goals). His current form more than warrants the standing ovation he received as he was replaced in the 82nd minute.
The word: Three
It was a third win in a row in Ligue 1 in 2019, 3 points, 3-goal margin... but that's not all! Paris Saint-Germain have scored at least three goals in 14 of their 20 L1 matches this term!
Coming up:
There's another 'European' style match coming up in a week's time against Lyon. On Sunday, at 21:00, at the Groupama Stadium, Olympique Lyonnais (3rd in L1) will be looking for a repeat of last season's 2-1 win. Against Les Gones, Paris will be looking to move into Champions League mode, just nine days before the trip to Manchester United...