PSG begin cup defence in style

Paris Saint-Germain FC began their defence of the French Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory against third division outfit Nîmes Olympique, as two goals from Bonaventure Kalou helped them into the last 32, while champions Olympique Lyonnais needed a late Juninho Pernambucano winner to beat Aviron Bayonnais.

Gallardo impresses
The club from the French capital, who are languishing just two points off the relegation zone in 16th place in Ligue 1, handed a debut to new Argentinian signing Marcelo Gallardo and were in front after just ten minutes following Ivorian Kalou's finish from a Pauleta pass. Former Portuguese international Pauleta was on the scoresheet himself on 23 minutes when he turned in a free-kick from the impressive Gallardo.

Kalou second
PSG, who lifted the trophy last season with victory against Olympique de Marseille, rounded off the win just short of the hour-mark as Kalou, a scorer in that final triumph in May, found the net for the second time after fine build-up play with Czech defender David Rozehnal.

Champions struggle
Ligue 1 leaders Lyon were far less comfortable as they began their cup campaign by just edging out fourth division side Bayonne 2-1. Brazilian Juninho scored the all-important winner 15 minutes from time after they had conceded a shock equaliser to a long-range shot from home captain Michel Bidegain. Lyon had scored the first goal when defender Emmanuel Degoul turned the ball into his own net.