Sports

Neymar dazzles again in PSG romp

August 22, 2017
Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match against Toulouse FC (TFC) at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris Sunday. — AFP
Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match against Toulouse FC (TFC) at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris Sunday. — AFP

PARIS — Neymar starred from beginning to end on his home debut for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring twice in a 6-2 thumping of Toulouse in Ligue 1 Sunday.

The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything else his new side did at the Parc des Princes as it recovered from the shock of falling behind early on to a Max Gradel goal.

Neymar got the equalizer and the 222 million-euro ($261 million) man later completed the rout in stunning style after further goals from Adrien Rabiot, an Edinson Cavani penalty, Javier Pastore and Layvin Kurzawa.

Marco Verratti was sent off for PSG midway through the second half and Toulouse at one point came back to 3-2, but they were ultimately blown away by the world’s most expensive player.

It was PSG’s third win in as many league outings this season and it joins reigning champion Monaco and Saint-Etienne in having the maximum nine points to its name.

Gradel, making his first appearance for Toulouse on loan from Bournemouth, volleyed the away side in front in the 18th minute.

And Toulouse pulled one back when the giant Jullien headed in from a corner.

Elsewhere Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa suffered a second straight loss as Lille coach in a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Caen, while Marseille were frustrated by Angers in a 1-1 draw at the Velodrome.

Radamel Falcao struck his fifth goal in three games on Friday to give Monaco a 1-0 win at Metz, while Saint-Etienne beat newcomers Amiens 3-0 Saturday.

Real eases past Deportivo

Real Madrid’s winning streak shows no signs of abating as the European champion began its defense of La Liga with a comfortable 3-0 win at Deportivo la Coruna.

Gareth Bale, Casemiro and Toni Kroos were on target for the visitors, but Madrid’s night at La Riazor ended on a sour note when captain Sergio Ramos was shown the 23rd red card of his Real career.

“Clearly I am not happy with what happened with Sergio,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

“I don’t like seeing my players get sent-off, but we can’t change it now.”

Ramos could have been dismissed earlier in the second-half when he only received a yellow card for a slap on Deportivo defender Fabian Schar.

However, he tied a record for 18 red cards in La Liga with a second booking for an elbow on Borja Valle in the dying embers of the match.

Zidane made four changes from the side that completed a 5-1 aggregate hammering of Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup Wednesday.

Madrid moved to the top of the table thanks to its better goal difference ahead of Barcelona, which beat Real Betis 2-0 in emotional circumstances at the Camp Nou earlier Sunday.

Barcelona players wore black armbands and shirts with ‘Barcelona’ replacing individual names on the back.

The hosts rose to the challenge of raising the city’s spirits as an Alin Tosca own goal and Sergi Roberto’s strike ensured a comfortable victory.

Inter, Milan match Juve

Inter captain Mauro Icardi hit a brace and Ivorian Franck Kessie opened his AC Milan account as the northern giants matched Juventus’s winning start to the Serie A season with respective 3-0 victories Sunday.

Left in the shade by Juventus for the past six seasons, both Inter and Milan are hoping to turn the tables and challenge for the scudetto on their way to claiming one of four Champions League places.

And neither of the San Siro giants disappointed on their way to going joint top of the table with Juventus, Napoli, Chievo, Sampdoria and Roma also sitting on three points following opening day victories. — Agencies


August 22, 2017
80 views
HIGHLIGHTS
Sports
5 days ago

Neom FC clinches First Division spot with a thrilling victory over Al Zulfi

Sports
5 days ago

Hiba Al Owaidi becomes first female main referee in Saudi Women's League

Sports
7 days ago

Salem Al Dawsari's goal secures Saudi victory over Tajikistan in World Cup qualifiers