Paris Saint-Germain picked up a surprise 2-0 win away at EA Guingamp on Saturday ahead of their mammoth UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Manchester City next week.
Lucas Moura scored two second half goals as a heavily rotated and extremely young side managed to beat Jocelyn Gourvennec's strugglers at Stade du Roudourou, but it wasn't perfect. The one blemish on the afternoon's performance was the injury to Kevin Trapp that forced him off at half-time. Otherwise, things worked out perfectly for PSG coach Laurent Blanc, who left the likes of Marco Verratti, Javier Pastore, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Angel Di Maria, Thiago Motta, Edinson Cavani, Maxwell and David Luiz in Paris.
Although they rode their luck at times in the first half, Lucas neatly tucked home from the penalty spot 11 minutes into the second half after Jeremy Sorbon fouled Christopher Nkunku. The Brazil international doubled his tally 15 minutes later after great approach play by Layvin Kurzawa.
Overall, it was a successful day's work and it alleviates some of the pressure on Blanc heading into the City return. The victory also means PSG have set a new record total of 44 points taken away from home during a Ligue 1 season.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Kevin Trapp, 6 -- It was a nightmare day for the German goalkeeper. Although he did not concede and was solid enough before he left the pitch, the manner of his exit at the break after a heavy collision with Kurzawa suggests he is a significant doubt for the City clash next Tuesday.
DF Gregory van der Wiel, 5 -- After a positive start going forward, the Dutch international quietened down. During the second half, he spent more time defending than attacking but was not required to do anything extraordinary.
DF Marquinhos, 7 -- The PSG defence was tested on numerous occasions during the first half but the Brazil international marshalled his back line well, even making some important blocks and clearances. Less integral in the second 45, it was still a solid performance from the 21-year-old.
DF Presnel Kimpembe, 6.5 -- The youth academy graduate fared well against Jimmy Briand and former PSG man Mevlut Erding, making one notable tackle on the former in the first half. Overall, the France U-21 international can be pleased with his showing in Cotes-d'Armor.
DF Layvin Kurzawa, 7.5 -- A battling performance. The Frenchman broke his nose in the collision with Trapp in the first half but did not let it stop him from making the most of a rare start. The 23-year-old soldiered on and ended up providing an excellent assist for Lucas' second goal.
MF Benjamin Stambouli, 7 -- One of the Frenchman's best displays for PSG so far. The 25-year-old took charge in midfield and appeared to relish playing alongside the less experienced Nkunku. He made a number of good interceptions and made some very accurate passes, a few of which created chances.
MF Christopher Nkunku, 6 -- A little timid in the first half, the youth academy graduate grew into the game as it wore on. The 18-year-old won the penalty for PSG's opening goal and imposed himself more after that.
MF Blaise Matuidi, 6 -- The France international brought his trademark speed and athleticism to the midfield, along with his valuable leadership. He created the first PSG chance of the match and enjoyed more room to work once Blanc's men opened the scoring.
FW Lucas Moura, 8 -- After a frustrating first half, the Brazilian impressed in the second half by scoring two goals. Cavani was preferred over him in the opening leg against City and with Matuidi suspended, Di Maria is likely to move back into midfield. This should mean that the 23-year-old will start at Etihad Stadium next Tuesday and this outing will have boosted his confidence.
FW Jean-Kevin Augustin, 5 -- It was a frustrating day for the France U-19 international in front of goal. Not many chances fell the 18-year-old's way and he only managed one shot on goal throughout the entire match. It was another chance wasted by the youth academy graduate, who has often struggled when given a chance to shine.
FW Hervin Ongenda, 6.5 -- One of PSG's brightest attacking performers, the France U-21 international had a couple of shots on goal from distance. The 20-year-old tired late on and became sloppy in possession.
Substitutes
GK Salvatore Sirigu, 6 -- The Italy international replaced the injured Trapp at half-time and was just as solid as the German. The 29-year-old could now be in line to start the second leg against City in Manchester next week.
DF Kevin Rimane, NR -- Sent on after 88 minutes to replace Marquinhos, it was the 25-year-old's first senior appearance for PSG. However he did not have enough time on the pitch at Stade du Roudourou to make any real contribution.
FW Yakou Meite, NR -- Introduced one minute into the three added on at the end to replace Augustin, the 20-year-old barely had time to get onto the pitch, let alone touch the ball.