PSG REBOUND FROM MADRID GLOOM
PARIS: Edinson Cavani struck twice as Paris St Germain beat Strasbourg 5-2 to relieve some of the pressure on the runaway Ligue 1 leaders following their Champions League defeat at Real Madrid.
Strasbourg struck early on Saturday through Jean Eudes Aholou, but PSG hit back courtesy of a Julian Draxler effort before two goals in as many minutes from Neymar and Angel Di Maria put the home side in control.
Stephane Bahoken pulled one back midway through the second half as Strasbourg threatened an unlikely comeback, but Cavani’s league-best 22nd and 23rd goals of the season ensured victory for Unai Emery’s team.
“The victory was important after the match on Wednesday. We win all our home matches,” said Emery, whose side last dropped points at the Parc des Princes in May.
“We have to show we can maintain this level of play against bigger teams, without meaning any disrespect to Strasbourg.”
He added: “We spoke about (the Madrid defeat) in the dressing room. Of course they remember the match from Wednesday. That’s normal so it’s important to speak about positive things. We feel very strong at the Parc.”
Captain Thiago Silva and Di Maria were recalled after Emery faced criticism for dropping them for the 3-1 loss in Madrid, and the coach was whistled by a section of home supporters unhappy with the Spaniard’s decisions in midweek.
Elsewhere, St Etienne secured a third win in four outings with a 1-0 victory at Angers, Montpellier climbed to fifth after a 1-1 home draw with Guingamp, and Troyes moved out the relegation zone thanks to a 1-0 win over Metz.
Diafra Sakho netted his first league goals for Rennes following his January move from West Ham in a 2-2 draw away to Caen, with the hosts left to rue a pair of missed penalties.
Defending champions Monaco eased to a 4-0 home win over Dijon on Friday as Pietro Pellegri eclipsed Kylian Mbappe to become the youngest player in the club’s history.