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Di Maria strikes to send PSG 10 points clear

The challenge of a trip to the Santiago Bernebeu for a Uefa Champions League match is in the offing for the French champions PSG. But before voyaging to revel in the pomp and circumstance of Real Madrid, domestic duties had to be dealt with. Laurent Blanc's men acquitted themselves admirably.

Angel Di Maria's second half goal sent PSG 10 points clear at the top of Ligue 1
Angel Di Maria's second half goal sent PSG 10 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 Reuters/Stephane Mahe
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Angel Di Maria scored his third goal of the season as PSG edged past Rennes to go 10 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and maintain their unbeaten start to the season

The Argentina international volleyed home with15 minutes remaining following slick passing between Marco Verratti and Lucas Moura .

The victory will boost morale ahead of the midweek trip to Real Madrid for their third game in Group A.

It will also help to silence critics of Di Maria who had begun to question the wisdom of splashing out 63 million euros on drafting in the forward from Manchester United during the summer.

"We controlled the match from start to finish," said Blanc after his team's 10th league win this season.

The champions started with star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench with one eye on Tuesday's match in Madrid while David Luiz, Marquinhos, Javier Pastore and Edinson Cavani were all missing with injuries.

"You can't rotate the squad and expect to have the same efficiency. The first thing to do is to win,” said Blanc. "And when you have matches in the Champions League, you must think of those also."

Ibrahimovic had been on target five times in his last seven league games and his marksmanship was sorely missed during a barren first half against a side who were on a six-match run without a win.

PSG’s Argentine attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi had a shot turned around the corner by Rennes keeper Benoit Costil.

Lavezzi had earlier just missed the target with a free-kick while, at the other end, Abdoulaye Doucoure shot over the top after a neat one-two with Juan Quintero.

Just after the hour mark, Blanc summoned Verratti from the bench to replace Benjamin Stambouli. The move paid dividends within 10 minutes. It was the Italy midfielder’s through ball that released Moura who in turn crossed accurately for Di Maria to score.

PSG's closest challengers - Angers - play on Sunday, at eighth-placed Monaco. Caen can provisionally climb to second on Saturday with a victory at Bastia.

Lyon, who are fourth, travel to bottom of the table Troyes.

 

 

 

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