Neymar goal lifts PSG past Toulouse in French league

AFP, PARIS: Neymar scored the only goal as Paris Saint-Germain ground out a 1-0 victory at Toulouse on Saturday in their final tune-up for next week's Champions League showdown against holders Real Madrid.

The runaway French league leaders stretched their advantage at the top to 12 points courtesy of Neymar's 19th Ligue 1 goal of the season midway through the second half in Toulouse, while Monaco thrashed Angers 4-0 to go second.

Unai Emery's team will now turn their focus to Wednesday's first leg of their heavyweight last-16 tie against Cristiano Ronaldo's faltering Real in the Spanish capital. Emery confirmed after the game that defensive midfielder Thiago Motta would not be fit in time to face the reigning European champions.

“I think we're ready for Real. We have a 50 percent chance, like Real,” Marco Verratti, who was rested against Toulouse, told Canal+.

“I don't know who the coach will choose to play in defensive midfield. Lass (Diarra) has great experience, he's played against some big teams in his career, while Giovani (Lo Celso) is improving.”

Neymar returned to the PSG line-up after sitting out Tuesday's French Cup win over Sochaux, but Edinson Cavani, the league's leading scorer with 21 goals this term, missed the trip south with a hip complaint.

Lassana Diarra came in for his first start in the league, while Emery elected to also rest captain Thiago Silva ahead of the visit to the Bernabeu.

The first half was largely played in the Toulouse half, with 19-year-old goalkeeper Alban Lafont producing an excellent fingertip save to deny Kylian Mbappe and then sticking out his right boot to keep out Neymar.

The home keeper was almost caught out by an Angel Di Maria corner just before the break but was relieved to see the ball smack against the crossbar and away to safety.

Neymar delivered the breakthrough on 68 minutes when he gathered Di Maria's crossfield ball, twisted his way past Steeve Yago, and fired in a shot that took a wicked deflection off Issa Diop to beat Lafont.

Only the woodwork prevented the Brazilian from adding to his tally, as Neymar planted an effort against the base of the post before curling a sublime 25-yard shot against the bar.

 

Neymar goal lifts PSG past Toulouse in French league

AFP, PARIS: Neymar scored the only goal as Paris Saint-Germain ground out a 1-0 victory at Toulouse on Saturday in their final tune-up for next weeks Champions League showdown against holders Real Madrid. The runaway French league leaders stretched their advantage at the top to 12 points courtesy of Neymars 19th Ligue 1 goal of the season midway through the second half in Toulouse, while Monaco thrashed Angers 4-0 to go second. Unai Emerys team will now turn their focus to Wednesdays first leg of their heavyweight last-16 tie against Cristiano Ronaldos faltering Real in the Spanish capital. Emery confirmed after the game that defensive midfielder Thiago Motta would not be fit in time to face the reigning European champions. I think were ready for Real. We have a 50 percent chance, like Real, Marco Verratti, who was rested against Toulouse, told Canal+. I dont know who the coach will choose to play in defensive midfield. Lass (Diarra) has great experience, hes played against some big teams in his career, while Giovani (Lo Celso) is improving. Neymar returned to the PSG line-up after sitting out Tuesdays French Cup win over Sochaux, but Edinson Cavani, the leagues leading scorer with 21 goals this term, missed the trip south with a hip complaint. Lassana Diarra came in for his first start in the league, while Emery elected to also rest captain Thiago Silva ahead of the visit to the Bernabeu. The first half was largely played in the Toulouse half, with 19-year-old goalkeeper Alban Lafont producing an excellent fingertip save to deny Kylian Mbappe and then sticking out his right boot to keep out Neymar. The home keeper was almost caught out by an Angel Di Maria corner just before the break but was relieved to see the ball smack against the crossbar and away to safety. Neymar delivered the breakthrough on 68 minutes when he gathered Di Marias crossfield ball, twisted his way past Steeve Yago, and fired in a shot that took a wicked deflection off Issa Diop to beat Lafont. Only the woodwork prevented the Brazilian from adding to his tally, as Neymar planted an effort against the base of the post before curling a sublime 25-yard shot against the bar.