Angel Di Maria scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain eased to a 3-1 victory over Marseille on Sunday to extend their long unbeaten run against their arch rivals and move 20 points clear at the Ligue 1 summit. Kylian Mbappe put PSG in front on the stroke of half-time with his 26th league goal of the season, but Valere Germain equalised in the first minute of the second period. Argentine Di Maria restored the home team's advantage, though, and Marseille 'keeper Steve Mandanda was sent off for a clear handball 30 yards from goal. Di Maria's wonderful free-kick added further gloss to the scoreline, although Mbappe saw a late penalty saved by visiting substitute Yohann Pele. The capital giants are now unbeaten in 19 matches against their rivals, winning 16 meetings and drawing three since losing 3-0 at the Stade Velodrome in November 2011. It was a strong response from Thomas Tuchel's men in their first real test since being dumped out of the Champions League by Manchester United. With the … [Read more...] about Di Maria stars as PSG see off rivals Marseille
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The moment Di Maria knew what he lost by giving up on Man Utd
As United’s players and staff celebrated in the corner of the Parc des Princes stadium in the minutes after the final whistle on Wednesday, Angel di Maria stood motionless in the other half, staring at the pitch. The winger had his back to the scenes of delirium unfolding 70 yards away, but he would have heard the din. Paris Saint-Germain’s players looked stunned at what had unfolded in the final minutes of this last-16 tie. It’s happened again. Another commanding position in a Champions League tie had been snatched from their grasp, United pulling off a comeback befitting their status as European royalty. Eventually the PSG players dragged themselves back to the dressing room, but Di Maria lingered a little longer. He was one of the last to leave the scene of the crime. A few players, including Di Maria , attempted to head to the ultras, offering an apology rather than thanks for their support. The heckles that followed told them forgiveness wasn’t going to … [Read more...] about The moment Di Maria knew what he lost by giving up on Man Utd
Barcelona are experts of the Camp Nou comeback
Sevilla travel to the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final, and Barcelona will need to call on their reputation as comeback kings on their own ground if they are to keep their run of domestic cup successes alive. The Blaugrana have shown themselves to be rather adept at overturning deficits when returning to Catalonia in recent seasons, albeit their best comebacks have actually come in continental competitions. Paris Saint-Germain can attest to this with the miracle of 2017 still fresh in their mind for all the wrong reasons. The Parisian club won the first leg 4-0 at the Parc des Princes after a scintillating performance from Angel Di Maria, yet it was to end in heartbreak for Nasser El-Khelaifi and co. as Luis Enrique's charges won the second leg 6-1. Sergi Roberto's injury time goal sparked scenes of mass hysteria around the Camp Nou, although the club were to then be comfortably eliminated by Juventus in the … [Read more...] about Barcelona are experts of the Camp Nou comeback
PSG cruise to victory as Neymar set to miss Man Utd clash
Edinson Cavani scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain beat Rennes 4-1 on Sunday, a victory overshadowed by coach Thomas Tuchel's admission that Neymar is set to miss next month's Champions League showdown with Manchester United. Neymar was missing against Rennes after suffering a recurrence of a metatarsal injury in a French Cup win over Strasbourg in midweek. Without him, Cavani scored twice either side of goals from Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe as PSG stayed unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and went 13 points clear again from second-placed Lille with two games in hand. Neymar missed the last three months of last season after suffering a fracture in the same foot last February. Le Parisien reported on Sunday evening that he had now suffered another "hairline" fracture. Tuchel said he could not confirm that, but accepted it would be "super difficult" for Neymar to be ready in time for the Champions League last-16, first leg at Old Trafford on February 12. "It is still too early to talk … [Read more...] about PSG cruise to victory as Neymar set to miss Man Utd clash
Why Lionel Messi made an express trip to Italy on Monday
Lionel Messi paid an express visit to Italy on Monday to see his nutritionist after making yet more history at the weekend. The Argentine struck his 400th La Liga goal as Barcelona saw off Eibar 3-0 on Sunday to consolidate their place at the top of the table. And it was followed by a flight to Italy to see nutritionist Guiluano Poser early on Monday morning, report Sport. He was back in Catalonia by 3pm. Messi, who travelled alongside Barca player liaison officer Pepe Costa, is no stranger to visiting Poser who has emerged as a vital part of his team. His last trip came prior to the World Cup in Russia when Argentina disappointingly bowed out at the last-16 stage. Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Luciano Vietto are also among Vietto's clients. Messi's diet is a crucial part of his greatness and what has allowed him to become arguably the best player to ever kick a football. His strike on Sunday reaffirmed his place among football's immortals and helped ensure Barca would maintain … [Read more...] about Why Lionel Messi made an express trip to Italy on Monday