Di Maria scores with out Messi as in PSG’s 4-2 win vs Brest
Paris Saint-Germain survived a scare on Friday without Neymar and Lionel Messi before beating Brest 4-2 and extending its winning start in the French league to three games.
Substitute Angel Di Maria sealed the victory on a counterattack in injury time just when it looked like Brest might score an equalizer to claim a point against the star-studded visitors.
Though Neymar and Messi weren’t ready for the game, PSG still had Kylian Mbappé, Achraf Hakimi and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum in its starting lineup.
Messi hasn’t played since joining Barcelona on Aug. 10. The 34-year-old soccer great missed a month of training after leading Argentina to the Copa América title on July 10. PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino evidently feels he needs more time to prepare for his French debut. Messi trained with the team last week but isn’t yet a match fit.
Ander Herrera opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Brest’s defence could only half-clear Mbappé’s cross. Herrera returned the ball from the edge of the penalty area with a volley that flew in off the left post.
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