For its entry in the league in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain has quietly imposed against the Nimes Olympique at the end of the first day (3-0). Absent, Neymar conspired.
It is customary to say “Honor to the champion”. And in football, to do honour is to play Sunday night. So, no question for Paris Saint-Germain to open the Ligue 1 season.
In contrast, the Parisians closed the first day of the championship at the Parc des Princes (Paris), Sunday 11th August 2019. Without forcing their talent, Thomas Tuchel’s players won against Nimes Olympique 3-0 .
The atmosphere: Neymar, persona non grata
It is in a special atmosphere that Thiago Silva and his teammates started their season. The celebration of the seventh consecutive Trophée des Champions won against Stade Rennais (2-1), was rather cold. On the contrary, the public was hot … to conspire Neymar.
The Brazilian star, in the process of divorce with the club of the Capital, was entitled to songs and banners vigorous and explicit against him. Supporters announced the colour before the match. Hard to imagine a return of the former FC Barcelona player with Paris. Or, the climate may be deleterious.
Des « Neymar, hijo de puta » descendent des tribunes ! #PSGNO #Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/Lt7q3FPMqp
— Maxime GIL (@gil_maxime_34) 11 August 2019
Les banderoles fleurissent encore en virage Auteuil contre Neymar ! #PSGNO #Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/5sPIJOS6oQ
— Maxime GIL (@gil_maxime_34) 11 August 2019
The match: dominating Paris, then realistic Paris
A stir in the stands as almost the only animation of the first half. Although dominating (76% possession of ball during the first act), Paris was not sharp, despite some opportunities and Kilian Mbappé fit (read below).
The salute of the reigning French champions came from a hand of Pablo Martinez in his surface, reported thanks to the video assistance. Edinson Cavani was not asked to shoot Paul Bernardoni (1-0, 24th).
The second half was essentially the same. An ultra-dominating PSG against a team of Nimes without solution , and even less dangerous than in the first act. The only difference: the champions of France a bit more realistic in the last gesture.
It is first Mbappé who will double the stake after a bright opening of Marquinhos and a relay of Juan Bernat (2-0, 56th), then Angel Di Maria will complete the success of Paris, concluding a three-way movement between Marco Verrati and Mbappé (3-0, 69e). The mark could have been aggravated by the French striker (75th, 79th), or even by Cavani (82nd). Back to school classes for Paris.
The fact: Kylian Mbappé, boss of the attack
Between a Pablo Sarabia below what he had shown in preparation, a slightly borrowed Edinson Cavani and an Angel Di Maria not 100% physically, Kylian Mbappé had a gold card to play to assert himself as the leader of the Parisian attack.
And he did not miss the opportunity. Ultra stirring on his left flank, the French international has literally used the defense Nîmes, by his technique and speed. The right-hander was rewarded by planting the second goal … of the left.
He was also in lack of success at the end of the match, his head finishing at the foot of the opponent’s post (75th) and could have offered a second assist to Cavani if he had not tried his luck, a little too greedy on the shot (79th).
If he is the “goal-scorer” of PSG in 2019, it does not mean that he will take the role of shooter of the first penalty, reserved for Cavani. And Thomas Tuchel concludes in press conference: ” He is asked to take responsibility every day. “
21 – Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 a inscrit 21 buts en Ligue 1 en 2019, aucun joueur ne fait mieux dans les 5 grands championnats européens sur la période (à égalité avec Lionel Messi 🇦🇷). Routine. @PSG_inside #PSGNO pic.twitter.com/D5tY6ZZ7Nw
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) 11 August 2019
