JuicyTalk
Paris Saint-Germain secured their second successive 1-0 win to start the new Ligue 1 season after edging past Angers.
It was PSG’s first appearance at the Parc des Princes since they landed their maiden Champions League crown but they failed to mark the occasion with a sparkling performance, despite Luis Enrique recalling most of his big guns.
The likes of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Achraf Hakimi started last weekend’s victory at Nantes on the bench but returned in a familiar-looking line-up.
PSG uncharacteristically sloppy
PSG struggled to find their usual fluency, however, although they were not helped by Dembele missing a 27th-minute penalty. Marius Courcoul was adjudged to have fouled João Neves inside the area but Dembele – the favourite to land the Ballon d’Or – lashed his spot-kick high over the bar.
The home side continued to dominate and only some poor finishing from Doue, Hakimi, Vitinha and Dembele kept the scoreline blank at the break.
The breakthrough came four minutes into the second half with Fabian Ruiz firing home from inside the box after the Angers defence failed to clear their lines.
Nuno Mendes came close to a second with 11 minutes to go but was denied by Angers goalkeeper Herve Koffi.
After the game, the Parisians got the chance to display some of the silverware claimed last season while it also gave the home fans chance to show their appreciation for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who appears likely to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
