SAN FRANCISCO, October 28, (THEWILL) – Moise Kean scored twice to get Paris Saint-Germain their first win of the 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League as they beat Turkish Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir 2-nil.
It was a positive result for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who endured a 2-1 loss to English Premier League club Manchester United on Matchday one. Yet, the victory was dampened by the loss of Brazilian playmaker Neymar to an apparent thigh injury in the middle of the first half.
The left winger hobbled off after treatment before the half-hour mark and his absence was felt as PSG could only muster one shot on target in the entire 45 minutes of the half.
Their keeper Keylor Navas it was who kept the game level making two saves to deny Bosnia and Herzegovina winger Edin Visca as the hosts grew in confidence going forward while remaining organised and sturdy at the back.
That was why Kean’s breakthrough came in disappointing fashion for Basaksehir. The striker, in acres of space and unmarked, simply nodded Mbappe’s cross past the static Turkish keeper Fehmi Mert Gunok.
Navas made a smart save from Basaksehir loanee Deniz Turuc’s half-volley and PSG almost doubled their lead in the 46th minute, but Mbappe turned and shot over the crossbar after a move he started in his own half.
Kean secured the result with 79 minutes on the clock. The Italian centre forward volleyed on the turn beyond Gunok from close range after Mbappe’s good work in the penalty area.
Although PSG bagged all three points in the Group H fixture, THEWILL believes the performance left a lot to be desired and may be insufficient to replicate their display last season that took the French champions to the UCL final.
The added disadvantage of the loss of Neymar is a significant blow as their hectic schedule continues towards the winter months in France.
Kean provided the killer touch to break Basaksehir’s resistance with two well-taken finishes in the second half and is a shining positive for the side going forward.
Next up for PSG is an away tie against Nantes in Ligue 1 on Saturday before next Wednesday’s visit to RB Leipzig. Basaksehir are also away to Konyaspor on Sunday, then head to Old Trafford to meet Manchester United on Wednesday too.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
