Cavani double helps Paris see off Ludogorets
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
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Behind after 16 minutes, Paris bounced back to pick up all three points thanks to a second-half display in which Edinson Cavani scored twice and Alphonse Aréola saved a penalty.
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Paris Saint-Germain have their first win in UEFA Champions League Group A after Edinson Cavani struck twice in a 3-1 victory at Ludogorets.
The French champions had to come from behind to prevail having been shocked early on by a Natanael free-kick. The visitors' reply arrived close to half-time when Blaise Matuidi finished from a Marco Verratti through ball. That heralded a brighter second period, which was rewarded when Cavani headed in an Ángel Di María free-kick.
The Uruguay forward then nodded in a Lucas cross to put Paris in the clear – though only after Alphonse Aréola had kept out Cosmin Moţi's penalty.
Key player: Edinson Cavani
Singled out for criticism after his squandered chances against Arsenal on opening night, Cavani offered up the best possible response here with his second UEFA Champions League double for Paris. Hard-working as ever during a difficult first period, his second-half strikes took him to seven goals in four games since matchday one – when, lest we forget, he also opened the scoring.
Moţi's change of fortunes
The penalty miss will be the main talking point from the Ludogorets perspective. Two years ago Moţi was the unlikeliest hero as a makeshift keeper in a play-off shoot-out triumph against Steaua, but now the boot is on the other foot. He has already missed one this season, against Mladost Podgorica in the second qualifying round, and his spot kick against Viktoria Plzeň was unconvincing too. This miss could be crucial.
Aréola proves a point
Making just his second UEFA Champions League outing, Aréola again showed why many have tipped him for a great future. Let down by his wall for Ludogorets's breakthrough – when his angry reaction suggested he has the confidence to go with the talent – the 23-year-old kept the visitors in front with a fine penalty save. It could be a long road back to the starting line-up for 2015/16's regular No1 Kevin Trapp.
Reporter's views
Chris Burke, Paris (@UEFAcomChrisB)
What looked to be turning into another awkward night for Unai Emery ended with Paris finishing the game well on top, which will come as a massive relief to their Spanish coach. Cavani proved he can be the clinical striker PSG need, although that frustrating first half raised questions – and Paris have already conceded more goals in this season's competition than in the whole of the group stage last term.
Stoyan Georgiev, Ludogorets (@UEFAcomStoyanG)
Ludogorets once more showed they can be a tough nut to crack. They had their moments but Paris were too strong. The Ligue 1 outfit and Arsenal are clear favourites for the top two berths in this section, leaving Ludogorets and Basel to battle it out for third spot. The Eagles earned a point at the Swiss champions a fortnight ago and can be delighted with their overall showing here, yet the matchday five visit of Basel to Razgrad already seems likely to be pivotal.