PSG secure comfortable win over Ajaccio
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) cruised to a 3-0 victory over AC Ajaccio in their Ligue 1 clash at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for PSG in the 23rd minute, finishing off a flowing move involving Marco Verratti and Mauro Icardi. The French striker was a constant menace to the Ajaccio defense, using his pace and trickery to create several other chances throughout the match.
PSG doubled their lead just before halftime, as Neymar converted from the penalty spot after Icardi was brought down in the area. The Brazilian forward looked sharp in his return from injury, combining well with Mbappe and Verratti in midfield.
Ajaccio tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but were unable to break down a well-organized PSG defense. The Parisians sealed the victory in the 80th minute, as substitute Angel Di Maria scored a brilliant free-kick from just outside the box.
The win sees PSG maintain their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table, with a comfortable six-point cushion over second-placed Marseille. Meanwhile, Ajaccio remain in the bottom half of the table, but will take some positives from their spirited display against one of the league's top sides.
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel was pleased with his team's performance, particularly their defensive solidity. "We know that we have a lot of quality going forward, but I was really happy with the way we defended as a team tonight. We were compact and disciplined, and didn't give Ajaccio many chances to score."
Despite the defeat, Ajaccio coach Olivier Pantaloni was also upbeat about his team's showing. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, but I thought we played well in patches. We need to be more clinical in front of goal, but overall I was happy with the effort and commitment of my players."
Overall, it was a comfortable win for PSG, who continue to look like the team to beat in Ligue 1 this season. For Ajaccio, the challenge will be to build on their positives from this match and try to climb up the table in the coming weeks.