Paris: The star was missing but the party went ahead successfully at the Parc des Princes as Paris Saint-Germain won its French league season-opener, Saturday.
Without Neymar on the pitch, Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore took on the scoring responsibilities to ensure PSG got a winning start by beating promoted Amiens 2-0. It was only PSG’s fourth win in its last 12 season-opening games in Ligue 1.
World-record signing Neymar was ineligible to play because of paperwork issues and PSG coach Unai Emery opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Pastore and Angel Di Maria supporting Cavani.
Just like the fans, Neymar watched from the stands. The French league did not receive his international transfer certificate from the Spanish federation before Friday night’s deadline, despite his 222 million euro (USD 262 million) move from Barcelona being completed the previous day.
Neymar did not play but he gave fans something to cheer about during his official presentation before the game. Neymar was unveiled at a ceremony involving fireworks and did a lap of honor.
The 25-year-old Brazil international is now expected to make his debut August 13 against Guingamp. Hired a few weeks before Neymar this summer, Brazil defender Dani Alves was given his first start, while Alphonse Areola was prefered to Kevin Trapp in goal.
Bossing the midfield and enjoying possession, PSG combined well in Amiens’ box with a series of quick passes that unsettled the visitors’ back four, although it took Emery’s side some time to find the net.
Cavani broke the deadlock with three minutes left in the first half from Alves’ assist. The Uruguay striker controlled the ball with his right foot and slotted home with his left into the bottom corner.
Pastore doubled PSG’s lead in the 80th at the end of a counterattack after Marco Verratti released the ball for Cavani, who sent it to the Argentine midfielder to finish off the slick passing move with a calm finish.
