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Paris Saint-Germain were not at their best on Saturday but still managed to beat ESTAC Troyes 4-3 in Ligue 1 at Parc des Princes. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all got on the scoresheet in a goal-filled encounter which really burst into life in the second half.
The French champions twice trailed their visitors through an inspired Mama Balde only for Carlos Soler and then Messi to equalize before Neymar gave the hosts the lead before Mbappe finished the job despite Ante Palaversa’s late effort.
Troyes led after just three minutes when Rony Lopes teed up Balde for the first of his two goals through an instinctive finish. Soler leveled 21 minutes later after the Spaniard was played in by Neymar and then took the ball around Gauthier Gallon in the away goal.
Seven minutes into the second half and Troyes were ahead again with Balde assisted by PSG youth academy product Wilson Odobert. The Champagne side’s lead would only last three minutes, though, as Ramos helped Messi to line up a superb finish from range to haul a disappointing Parisien side level. Seven minutes later, Messi turned provider to play in Neymar for PSG’s third which finally put Christophe Galtier’s men in front.
Mbappe’s penalty 15 minutes from time made sure of the turnaround but it was harsh on Bruno Irles’ Troyes who had more than matched the Ligue 1 leaders for an hour or so. Palaversa headed home in the 88th minute to give the traveling fans a glimmer of hope, but they were unable to find the equalizer.
Despite a positive display in front of goal once more, serious questions are starting to emerge regarding the PSG defense. Maccabi Haifa scored twice in the UEFA Champions League despite taking a beating while Galtier’s side shipped three more goals here — that is five from two outings and poor by any standards.
Granted, Haifa and Troyes are not the most important fixtures in PSG’s season but conceding goals…
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Source : cbssports
