Paris Saint-Germain almost broke the internet on Friday by announcing a starting XI against Metz that took all of the world’s money to assemble, including Neymar ($263M), Kylian Mbappe ($220M), Edinson Cavani ($77M) and Julian Draxler ($48M). Metz, by comparison, turned to Newcastle United flop Emmanuel Riviere.
LINEUP CONFIRMED: Here's PSG Starting XI vs. @FCMetz ! #FCMPSG pic.twitter.com/ljI4RmRAD2
— PSG English (@PSG_English) September 8, 2017
And the riches of PSG would shine through on the night with Cavani registering a brace, Mbappe scoring on his debut and Neymar striking from 18 yards out in the club’s 5-1 victory.
The opening half hour included Draxler missing a sitter, Neymar cracking a shot into a defender and back into his own face and Cavani hitting the post when he should’ve been flagged for offside. But the breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute after a delightful through ball from Neymar, played with the outside of his boot, set both Cavani and Mbappe through on goal. Cavani applied the finish.
GOOOAAAL: Well, SOMEONE was going to score! @neymarjr has his choice of teammates, and @ECavaniOfficial gets his 6th of the season. #FCMPSG pic.twitter.com/XcIUVqiaOl
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 8, 2017
Cavani then sent an effort from the top of the box straight at the keeper and then did the same with an unmarked header. The Uruguayan could’ve had four goals on another day, and PSG were made to pay when Riviere planted a free header into the net from only a few yards out.
GOOOOAAAAL: @FCMetz aren't making this easy for @PSG_English! @ManuRiv nets the equalizer! #FCMPSG pic.twitter.com/FMKYUnoz30
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 8, 2017
With the match finely poised, wannabe porn star Benoit Assou-Ekotto was sent off for a crunching tackle on Mbappe, one that sent the 18-year-old rolling like a round of Double Gloucester cheese at Cooper’s Hill. In fairness, there wasn’t much wrong with the tackle.
#FCMetz down to 10 men. Benoît Assou-Ekotto sent off for a sliding challenge on Mbappé. Harsh call, he mostly got the ball. #PSG #FCMPSG pic.twitter.com/wm3daygXqw
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonitoUSA) September 8, 2017
Three minutes later, Mbappe was up and arrowing in an effort from the top of the box for his debut PSG goal. Metz fans at the Stade Saint-Symphorien weren’t very happy about that.
GOOOOAAAAL: @KMbappe tries to assist @neymarjr, but sets himself up for his debut @PSG_English goal! #FCMPSG pic.twitter.com/Mcppsg8QW4
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 8, 2017
In the 69th minute, Ballon d’Or fetishist Neymar scored a goal by turning near the top of the box, dribbling a little and dispatching his effort inside the post.
GOOOOAAAAL: Never one to miss out on a good party, @neymarjr gets in on the scoring action! #FCMPSG pic.twitter.com/GfjmM70S1s
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 8, 2017
Cavani then scored his second by virtue of still trying.
GOOOOAAAAL: @PSG_English getting silly on a Friday night! @ECavaniOfficial again! 10-man @FCMetz may consider throwing in the towel. #FCMPSG pic.twitter.com/k3DOLBy9Ob
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 8, 2017
Then forgotten man Lucas Moura added PSG's fifth, but everybody has already forgotten about that.
PSG’s record in league play now reads played five, won five, scored 19, allowed three. Their next match is a trip to Glasgow to play Celtic in the Champions League.
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