Neymar returns to help PSG beat Lille and extend Ligue 1 lead

PSG moved to 33 points ahead of second-placed Olympique Marseille, while Lille are seventh on 19

Updated - November 23, 2019 07:01 am IST

Published - November 23, 2019 06:59 am IST - PARIS

Neymar

Neymar

Paris St Germain's Brazil forward Neymar made his comeback from injury as they enjoyed a 2-0 home win over Lille on Friday to move a provisional 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

First-half goals from Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria put the hosts ahead and Lille never seriously threatened a comeback.

Neymar had not featured for the champions since October 5 due to a hamstring problem but returned to the starting lineup to help his side ease to victory at the Parc des Princes.

PSG moved to 33 points ahead of second-placed Olympique Marseille, who visit second-bottom Toulouse on Sunday, while Lille are seventh on 19.

Lille manager Christophe Galtier suffered a blow this week when he lost his assistant Joao Sacramento, who left the club to join new Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho's backroom team.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel started with Kylian Mbappe on the bench due to an illness, while selecting Argentine Icardi ahead of Edinson Cavani to spearhead the attack.

His decision was soon justified as Icardi bundled in Idrissa Gueyes low cross after 17 minutes to bring his tally this term to six goals in seven league matches and 10 in all competitions.

Neymar delighted the home crowd with some delightful touches as the hosts continued to threaten, and they doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Di Maria found space in the box to curl a finish into the far corner.

PSG midfielder Julian Draxler came close after the break as he shot over with just the keeper to beat before firing against the foot of the post, while substitute Cavani squandered a good chance by scooping a finish over the bar in added time.

It was a routine win for Tuchels side, who travel to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Lille host last year's semi-finalists Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.