Seventh heaven
Background:
After the 3-1 win last weekend against Rennes, Paris entertained Reims with the firm intention of making it seven wins from seven in Ligue 1 and setting a new club record in the process. It was also the chance for Thomas Tuchel's men to extend their lead at the top of the standings to eight points.
The Match Highlights:
Under the eyes of American basketball legend Michael Jordan, at the Parc des Princes for the match, Paris were stunned at the start of the final match of Week 7 of the season when Chavalerin finished from close range (0-1, 3'). Paris found an immediate reponse.
Edinson Cavani chipped Mendy from the edge of the penalty box with a wonderful lob (1-1, 5'). The lively Cavani was then brought down in the penalty box and Neymar Jr converted the resulting spot kick (2-1, 24'). Paris were then struck another blow when Colin Dagba, was forced off with injury - replaced by Thomas Meunier (23'). But Les Rouge et Bleu kept on coming with Cavani striking again late on - El Matador in the right place at the right time when Neymar Jr's cross was spilt by Mendy (3-1, 44').
And there was more to come after the break when Diaby crossed low to the near post for Thomas Meunier to net his third goal in as many games (4-1, 55'). There was still time for Cavani to go within a whisker of his hat-trick - his finish coming back off the crossbar (90'). The final whistle confirmed the seventh win in a row, a club record for the start of a season. And no side has ever previously scored at least three goals in each of the first seven matches of the season.
A Parisian in the match: Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani played a key role in Wednesday's victory as he scored a brace and won the penalty tucked away by Neymar Jr. El Matador netted his fifth and sixth goals against Reims and took his personal tally for the season to five goals. The Uruguay international has now scored 175 goals in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain.
The Word: Legend
It was a big night at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday 26 September as Michael Jordan was in attendance to see Paris Saint-Germain defeat Reims. In Paris to watch the Ryder Cup 2018, the six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) took advantage of the trip to catch a game of Les Rouge et Bleu. The twice Olympic gold medallist in 1984 and 1992 with the Dream Team USA met Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. The chance for both men to reflect on the successful partnership between the capital club and Jordan Brand. But it wasn't the first time Michael Jordan crossed paths with Paris Saint-Germain. 21 years ago, on 17 October 1997, the Chicago Bulls played PSG Racing, winning 89-82 and scoring 28 points to finish top scorer in the match.
Up next:
The matches are coming thick and fast! The Ligue 1 leaders travel to the Côte d’Azur to take on Nice in Week 8 of the season, this Saturday at 17:15 CET. It will be a new test for the capital club against a Nice side that have won three of their last four in the league. Another win and Paris will equal the longest winning start in the history of the French championship of eight wins, set by Olympique Lillois in 1936-37.