Ibra strikes again as emphatic PSG rout Evian
PARIS (AFP) –
Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic kicks the ball (C) during their French Ligue 1 football match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. Ibrahimovic struck his Ligue 1-leading 14th goal of the season as Paris Saint-Germain secured a much-needed 4-0 victory over Evian, easing some of the pressure on under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck his Ligue 1-leading 14th goal of the season as Paris Saint-Germain secured a much-needed 4-0 victory over Evian on Saturday, easing some of the pressure on under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Ibrahimovic put the title-challengers in front on 28 minutes before Ezequiel Lavezzi — who scored the winner in PSG‘s midweek Champions League win over Porto — was again on target moments later.
Thiago Motta and Kevin Gameiro added late strikes as the French capital club secured just a second league victory in six attempts.
“We played a good match. It was a good performance from the team, with good play, a good attitude and an attacking style. Everything went well today,” said Ancelotti.
Montpellier’s forward John Utaka (R) jumps for the ball over with Ajaccio’s defender Fousseni Diawara during their French L1 football match at the Mosson stadium in Montpellier southern France. Montpellier won for just the fifth time this season as strikes from Utaka, Remy Cabella and Younes Belhanda propelled Rene Girard’s side to a 3-0 win at home to Ajaccio.
“After the defeat at Nice (last Sunday), we have played two good matches. Next week, we have two more difficult games, against Valenciennes and Lyon, with this attitude things will be better,” he added.
The result moved the Parisians up to second on 29 points, level with arch-rivals Marseille and two adrift of table-toppers Lyon, who are both in action on Sunday.
Bertrand Laquait had to be alert to keep out an early header from Ibrahimovic at Parc des Princes, but there was nothing the Evian goalkeeper could do as the home side went in front on 28 minutes.
Neat interplay between Christophe Jallet and Javier Pastore on the right flank led to the latter crossing for Ibrahimovic, who poked the ball past Laquait from close range to give PSG the lead.
The towering Swede then displayed great strength three minutes later to chest down Jeremy Menez’s lofted pass into the path of Lavezzi, who turned past a defender before curling low into the far corner via the inside of the post.
Lavezzi was denied a second goal of the afternoon as Laquait clawed away the Argentine’s header, but it was academic as the hosts asserted their dominance in the second period.
Ibrahimovic was only prevented from adding to his account by the frame of the goal as his prodded effort looped over Laquait but rebounded off the left upright.
A 25-yard strike from Olivier Sorlin represented a rare opportunity for Evian, while substitute Saber Khelifa struck tamely at home goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu when well-placed.
Motta, who was making his return after a month on the sidelines, further increased PSG’s advantage, notching his first goal of the campaign as he swept home Pastore’s low cross on 84 minutes.
Brest’s forward Charliston Benschop celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match against Rennes at Route de Lorient stadium in Rennes, western France. Rennes conceded a two-goal lead as they drew 2-2 with Brest.
Gameiro then added a fourth two minutes later — moments after coming on to replace Motta — capping off a fine move after Menez had unselfishly squared for the France striker after he was put through by Ibrahimovic.
Elsewhere, defending champions Montpellier won for just the fifth time this season as strikes from John Utaka, Remy Cabella and Younes Belhanda propelled Rene Girard’s side to a 3-0 win at home to Ajaccio.
Meanwhile, Rennes conceded a two-goal lead as they drew 2-2 with Brest.
Julien Feret and Romain Alessandrini scored for the hosts before goals from Benoit Lesoimier and Charlison Benschop earned the visitors, who had Ahmed Kantari dismissed on 89 minutes, a point.
Fifth-placed Valenciennes were held to a 1-1 draw at bottom side Nancy, while Troyes and Nice finished 1-1 as did Sochaux against Lille.