PSG edge past Nantes with narrow 1-0 win in Ligue 1 debut

Only four days after lifting their first ever European Super Cup following a dramatic comeback and penalty shootout win over Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain is set to start their title defence with an away clash against FC Nantes at La Beaujoire.

With less than two weeks of training with his squad, Luis Enrique operated to a massive squad rotation with seven changes to his starting line-up. Club captain Marquinhos and Willian Pacho are both rested as Illia Zabarnyi is set to partner Lucas Beraldo in the heart of PSG's backline on his debut for the club. Meanwhile, Warren Zaire-Emery and Lucas Hernadez will occupy the full-back positions. The midfield trio will be composed of Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Kang-In Lee while Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye and Gonçalo Ramos will lead the frontline.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI:Chevalier; Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez, Zaire-Emery; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Kang-In Lee; Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Mbaye.

FC Nantes' starting XI:Lopes; Awaziem, Tati, Amian, Cozza; Lepenant, Hyeok-Kyu, Benhattab, Leroux; Mohamed, Guirassy.

Paris secure 1-0 away win in Ligue 1 opener

In a difficult game, Vitinha's deflected long range strike secured a narrow 1-0 away victory for Luis Enrique and his side, and perfectly started their title defence.

Despite having the control of the ball most of the time, PSG failed to take the lead against a well-organised Nantes side, however, the European Champions managed to create increasingly more chances to score in the last 15 minutes of the first half. Nonetheless, Les Rouges et Bleus were not able capitalise on any of their opportunities and went into the break level.

In the second half, the combined entrance of Hakimi, Dembélé, Nuno Mendes and Désiré Doué, the visitors increased their number of chances. Shortly, Vitinha opened the score as his long range effort was deflected into Lopes' nets (67').

Then 10 minutes later, Gonçalo Ramos thought to have made it 2-0 but his goal was overturn as he found himself offside in the build-up (77'). Despite several big chances in the second half, PSG were unable to increased their lead within the last 20 minutes of the game. The European Champions then, easily saw out the game and perfectly opened their Ligue 1 season.

Up next, Paris Saint-Germain will host Angers at the Parc des Princes on Friday, August 22.

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