Neymar makes himself at home
Brazilian superstar dazzles with brace in pulsating Paris debut
PARIS — Neymar starred from beginning to end on his home debut for Paris SaintGermain, scoring twice in a 6-2 thumping of Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything else his new side did at Parc des Princes as it recovered from the shock of falling behind early on to a Max Gradel goal.
Neymar got the equalizer and the $261-million man later completed the rout in stunning style after further goals from Adrien Rabiot, Edinson Cavani (from the penalty spot), Javier Pastore and Layvin Kurzawa.
Marco Verratti was sent off for PSG midway through the second half and Toulouse at one point came back to 3-2, but it was ultimately blown away by the world’s most expensive player.
It was PSG’s third win in as many league games this season and it joins reigning champion Monaco and Saint-Etienne in having the maximum nine points so far.
Saint-Etienne, which beat Amiens 3-0 on Saturday, visits the French capital this Friday and will surely be dreading the prospect after this latest exhibition from PSG’s new superstar.
“Neymar has come here to give something extra to the team and in his two matches so far he has shown his importance, that he has the talent to play in this side,” said PSG coach Unai Emery.
Neymar had a part in all of his side’s goals in last week’s 3-0 win at Guingamp, scoring one in his first game in French soccer since his stunning world-record transfer, and he was again at the center of everything.
Gradel, making his first appearance for Toulouse after joining on loan from Bournemouth, volleyed the away side in front in the 18th minute but Neymar had already seen a shot strike the top of the bar before that.
The Brazilian then saw a header tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Alban Lafont before he equalized just after the half-hour mark, setting up Rabiot for a shot that was pushed out by Lafont before following in to convert the loose ball.
The same duo combined as PSG went in front, Rabiot playing a one-two with Neymar before beating Lafont with a low strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
The second half was quieter before coming to life after Verratti was harshly shown a second yellow card for catching Christopher Jullien in the Toulouse penalty area in the 69th minute.
Soon after, the referee gave a harsh decision the other way, awarding a penalty for a foul on Neymar when Toulouse striker Andy Delort appeared to play the ball.
Cavani made no mistake from the spot for his 11th goal in 11 league games, but Toulouse quickly pulled another one back when the giant Jullien headed in from a corner with 12 minutes left to make it 3-2.
Yet there was to be no grandstand finish from the