Paris go from strength to strength

News

Key facts:
PSG's strikers were among the goals; the team's link-up play took shape; and coach Thomas Tuchel had a chance to run the rule over his entire squad… in the baking heat of Suzhou, and with the Trophée des Champions against Rennes just four days away, Paris Saint-Germain gave indications of their form in the 2019 International Super Cup against Sydney FC.

From the outset, Paris Saint-Germain proved adept at construction and possession play. Kylian Mbappé was the first to rouse the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre - and the Australian club's defence - but his effort was finally snaffled up by Redmayne (9'). Cavani also menaced, getting a touch to a Sarabia cross, but his crafty back-heel came back off the post (13th), and Sydney looked set to crack as Herrera fired a missile that went narrowly wide (34th). The Parisian defence also had a scare, when Ninkovic thought he had opened the scoring, but the goal was ruled out (35') and minutes later Mbappé made his effort count, drawing an ovation from the Chinese crowd. Breaking down the left, Kylian worked a one-two with Bernat before scoring from a tight angle (1-0, 37)!

The goal took its toll on Sydney and soon a serial scorer was doing what he does best… although Redmayne stymied Sarabia's effort, Edi Cavani was on hand to mop up with a deft volley (2-0, 43')! At the break, Thomas Tuchel brought on ten new outfield players. A completely remodelled (and rejuvenated) XI that continued the good work in keeping Sydney FC on the back foot. Aouchiche put Redmayne to work twice (56', 64') and Zagre also threatened (57th), but Brattan also forced Trapp into s smart low save (72'). However, Paris remained in the driver's seat. While Kurzawa put his superb technique on display, the club's youngsters stepped up to the plate, with Dagba breaking down the right to set up Guclu for a triumphant back-heel strike (3-0, 89')! This final classy move did everything to suggest that the squad is already well used to playing together, whetting the appetite for Saturday and the first official match of the 2019-20 season…

A Parisian in the match: Edinson Cavani
A starting place and a chance to show that his clinical finishing instincts remain intact. Edi Cavani, making his first pre-season start instantly confirmed his place at the top of the central strikers' pecking order. His preferred hunting ground? The penalty area: an attempted back-heel finish from Sarabia's cross came back off the post (13') and was followed up with a clinical volley after Sarabia's effort was blocked (43'). A superb comeback goal that proved Edi is ready and raring to go for the season ahead!

Coming up:
In four days, it's time for the first official game of the season. On Saturday, against Rennes, the Parisians will be competing for a 9th Trophée des Champions title, in the 24th edition of the competition. One year after setting a new winning record (eight titles) by dominating AS Monaco 4-0, Paris will once again look to do their thing in Shenzhen. The capital club have won this 100% French trophy without interruption since 2013. To continue this sensational run, Thomas Tuchel and his charges will need to overcome a feisty Stade Rennais FC side on Saturday…