Paris make winning start

News

The Context:
After the finishing last season away in Normandy, Paris opened their title defence against Caen at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. Three months after the last outing at the Parc, the sell-out crowd was back cheering on its charges, its World Cup winners and its new face (Tuchel, Buffon)!

The Key Moments:
On the front foot! With Neymar Jr leading the way, Les Rouge et Bleu were quick to get the fans on their feet. Nkunku’s pass sent the Brazilian clean through on goal and NJR made no mistake with a cool side-foot finish (1-0, 10’). Caen looked for a way back into the match and Tchokounte saw his effort boxed clear by Buffon – already a crowd favourite (19’). Playing in midfield, Rabiot charged forward to get on the end of Di Maria’s superb cross to double the lead (2-0, 35’)! Just before the break, Thiago Silva’s header forced Buffon into another fine reflex stop (44’). Gigi ensuring Paris led by two at half-time.

After a tribute to the departed Javier Pastore during the break, Malherbe looked to launch a comeback and Peeters went close to pulling a goal back when his free-kick hot the post (52’)! But that only sparked PSG back into action as Nkunku (53’, 55’) and then Di Maria (61’) both went close. Substitutes Draxler and Diaby (69’) both looked to get in on the act and they were followed by Weah who hit the post just after coming on (84’), before robbing Bamba and scoring goal number three (3-0, 89’)! The perfect way to start 2018-19!

A Parisian in the match: Neymar Jr
The first goal scorer for PSG in Ligue 1 this season, Neymar Junior marked his return to the starting line-up in the best possible manner, five and a half months after injuring his ankle. He needed just ten minutes to find the opening. In just 21 Ligue 1 matches, the mercurial No.10 has scored 20 goals and provided 13 assists! Even more impressive: he has 13 goals in just 12 L1 matches at the Parc. He’s clearly right at home in the French capital!

The word: Debut(s)
The Parc was the setting for a number of debuts tonight. For coach Thomas Tuchel and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon obviously, but also for the home-grown trio of Dagba, N’Soki, Bernede. Tonight, the Titis were honoured with their first starts and Timothy Weah came off the bench to score his first Ligue 1 goal! The win also sees Paris undefeated in the opening match of the season for the last seven years (3 draws followed by 4 wins).

Coming up:
Like last season, Les Parisiens are heading to Le Roudourou for their first away game of the season (Saturday, at 17:00 CET). In Guingamp, the Neymarmania of 12 months ago may well be working again! Paris won 3-0 last term and will be hoping for a repeat performance next weekend!