Paris maintain the pace

The match:
It was Lille that had the first chance of the match when Xeka was denied by a superb reflex save by Keylor Navas (2'). And then André headed wide (10'). But Paris slowly got the measure of their opponents and soon found a way through. Like so often, it was Mauro Icardi that provided the breakthrough with his tenth goal of the season from Idrissa Gana Gueye's low cross to the back post (1-0, 17')! It was his sixth Ligue 1 gal from just his tenth shot on target. The Argentine theme continued when Angel Di Maria, set up by Julian Draxler, beat Maignan to join his compatriot on six Ligue 1 goals this term (2-0, 31')! It was clinical stuff from Les Rouge et Bleu. 

The rain came for the start of the second half and the chances flowed for the home side with Draxler (55', 84'), and substitutes Kylian Mbappé (67') and Edinson Cavani (90') all having good chances to extend the lead, while Navas at the other end was on had to keep another clean sheet with saves from Araujo (58'), Rémy (76') and Yacizi (82'). Paris recorded their 11th win of the campaign to move provisionally 11 points clear of second placed Marseille.

A man in the match: Idrissa Gueye
Up against his former club, Idrissa Gueye reminded his former employers of all his quality in the middle of the park. Not only did he enjoy 83 possessions, winning 13 challenges, Gana provided his first assist of the season for Icardi. A complete performance.

Coming up: 
Attentions now turn to the UEFA Champions League. On Tuesday, at 21:00 CET, Les Rouge et Bleu take on Real Madrid on Matchday 5 of the competition. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Paris will be looking to build on their excellent opening match of the campaign and a 3-0 win over Los Merengues and secure top spot in Group A.