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Ligue 1: PSG launches its season with a demonstration in Clermont


Lhe Paris Saint-Germain, reigning French champions already worn by Neymar and Lionel Messi, started their season with a resounding success in Clermont (5-0), Saturday August 6 during the first day of Ligue 1. Without Kylian Mbappé , injured in the adductors, Paris easily dominated his subject, with three assists and a goal from the Brazilian (9e), achievements of Achraf Hakimi (26e) and Marquinhos (38e), as well as a double from Lionel Messi (80e86e), author in particular of a fantastic return.

A week after their great success at the Trophée des champions against Nantes (4-0), the Parisians continued their momentum, demonstrating that they were already on point at the start of the season. Admittedly, the Clermontois, who had finished the previous exercise in 17e position, could hardly compete with the stars of the capital. But they came across a serious, diligent team, eager to leave their mark on L1 and erase the tasteless performances of the Pochettino era.

With nine goals scored and none conceded in two official meetings, the new coach Christophe Galtier has already begun to make a break with his predecessor, unable to imprint his mark on the Parisian game in a year and a half of his term. Galtier can savor the production of his troops all the more since he does not have his lethal weapon, Kylian Mbappé. The French striker, already suspended during the Champions Trophy, has once again missed the call, this time due to injury (adductors). But his absence was hardly felt on the lawn where he was replaced by the Spaniard Pablo Sarabia.

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A Neymar in great shape

Without its world champion, the man who carried it at arm’s length last season, Paris could count on a Neymar in great shape to animate the offensive sector. After his double against Nantes, the Brazilian was again in all the right moves with a goal (9e) and three assists for Achraf Hakimi (26e), Marquinhos (38e) and Lionel Messi (80e), the Argentinian then offering himself a double on a spectacular return (86e).

While his Parisian future remains unclear despite his repeatedly proclaimed desire to stay at PSG, Neymar has in any case proven that he is fully focused and absolutely unperturbed by the speculation surrounding his future. After a failed 2021-2022 season, the prospect of the World Cup (November 21-December 18) has visibly given him wings and even if he no longer has his former speed and dribbles much less, his quality of passing and his vision of the game remain incomparable.

Messi, particularly on his legs against the Canaries, was not left out with two goals at the end of the match, including a return which caused the public ovation at the Gabriel-Montpied stadium. Galtier was also able to savor Vitinha’s fine performance. The only summer rookie holder at kick-off, the Portuguese midfielder shone alongside Marco Verratti. All the lights are therefore green for the Parisians and their coach at the start of the season. Even without Kylian Mbappé.

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