Neymar strikes in PSG’s season-opener

Aug 14, 2018 06:00 am

Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 title defence in style with a comfortable 3-0 win over Caen yesterday morning (Singapore time), with goals from Neymar, Adrien Rabiot and Timothy Weah.

Brazil international Neymar, making his first appearance in Paris since suffering a season-ending foot injury in February, struck in the 10th minute after midfielder Christopher Nkunku ran on to a stray pass from Caen goalkeeper Brice Samba and released the forward.

Adrien Rabiot then tapped the ball into the net in the 35th minute to double the lead with fellow midfielder Angel di Maria providing the assist from inside the penalty area.

Substitute Weah, the son of former PSG forward and Liberia President George Weah, got his maiden league goal to the delight of new PSG boss Thomas Tuchel, who took charge of the club for the first time in the league.

New PSG signing Gianluigi Buffon enjoyed a memorable debut for the club as the veteran goalkeeper, who joined from Juventus in the close-season, made two important saves in the first half.

PSG rested Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti with Tuchel handing league debuts to three 19-year-olds in Colin Dagba, Stanley N'Soki and Antoine Bernede. - REUTERS