Neymar-less PSG make Cup progress
PARIS: Paris Saint Germain made light of Neymar’s absence in beating Guingamp 4-2 to secure their ticket to the French Cup last 16 on Wednesday as Edinson Cavani was made to wait for his club-record goal.
Despite PSG’s dominance, Cavani failed to get on the scoresheet as he pursues a record 157th goal, but it wasn’t for the want of trying as he failed to convert a hatful of chances.
Cavani is on the verge of becoming PSG’s all-time scorer after drawing level with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s benchmark in the 8-0 rout of Dijon last week.
Neymar left the pitch after that Ligue 1 outing angered at booing directed at him from Parc des Princes fans when he stepped up to take a penalty rather than allowing Cavani a shot at the record.
The world’s most expensive player was missing from PSG’s 21 loss at Lyon on Sunday and again for this Cup tie with according to the club “a pain in his right thigh.”
A section of the club’s fans ‘Collectif Ultras Paris’ (CUP) — conveyed a message of support to the Brazilian.
“To boo our players runs contrary to our values,” “Neymar PSG Cup united for Paris”, home supporters wrote on banners in the stands.
Tackled about Neymar, PSG coach Unai Emery said: “He’s continuing his recovery with the physio, I hope he’ll be back with the team very soon. He is here, in Paris, and he’s a great player. We must show him affection.”
Another high profile absentee was Kylian Mbappe, who was stretchered off after a clash with Lyon’s Anthony Lopes.
“He’s fine, we’ll see if he can return on Saturday, but I hope he’ll be ready at the latest for Lille (on Feb 3). It was a hard knock and the risk is getting another blow,” said Emery.
On Cavani’s record hunt Emery said: “Today he created lots of chances, but missed the final touch.”
In the tie of the round Lyon edged Monaco 3-2.
Steven Jovetic opened the scoring for Monaco but Betrand Traore quickly levelled with Mariano Diaz bagging a double.
Rony Lopes gave Monaco hope but Lyon held on to join PSG in the next round along with second division Auxerre and topflight Caen but only on penalties from lowly fifth-division outfit Caneten-Roussillon.
On Tuesday, Marseille claimed a 2-0 win at fourth-tier Epinal.