PSG begin Ligue 1 campaign with 2-1 win over Troyes

Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 win over Ligue 2 champions Troyes at Stade de l’Aube on Saturday. The newly promoted club started brightly against PSG as they went ahead through Qualid El Hajjam’s header in the 9th minute. The Parisians were looking a little bit rusty and were without many of their regulars. But they equalised through their new signing Achraf Hakimi. And then two minutes after the equalizer Mauro Icardi scored the winner.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side started with a victory while their potential rivals Monaco and Lyon faltered. Dylan Chambost’s  left-footed corner was headed in by El-Hajjam. It was Troyes’ first goal against PSG since 2006.

Meanwhile PSG took a bit of time to settle in and leveled the score 10 minutes after the opening goal. The French capital club’s new recruitment Hakimi, who joined PSG from Inter Milan for 60 million euros latched onto Ander Herrera’s pass and slotted the ball past Troyes goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon.

PSG ride on Icardi’s winner and Navas’ saves

In the 21st minute, Herrera picked up Kylian Mbappe and the Frenchman’s cut back found Icardi. The Argentine showed good composure and calmness to control the ball and flick the ball in with the outside of his foot.

Playmaker Herrera was the bright spot in the PSG line-up. The Spanish midfielder had the visitors’ first serious attempt on goal in the 14th minute. He even provided the crucial passes that led to the two goals.

Meanwhile at the other end Troyes forward Renaud Ripart forced two saves out of goalkeeper Keylor Navas in the first half. After an entertaining first half the second one didn’t live upto the expectations.

Mbappe was once again exciting up front and came close to extending the lead in the 81st minute but fired his shot over the goal. However Laurent Battles’ side gave a good account of themselves in their return to top-flight football.