Paris Saint-Germain have extended their unbeaten start to the season with victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, ensuring they remain alongside Real Madrid at the summit of Group A.

A comfortable 2-0 victory against Malmo on matchday one was built upon emphatically at the Arena Lviv as Serge Aurier, David Luiz and a Darijo Srna own goal sealed all three points.

It took just seven minutes to break the deadlock as Maxwell found Aurier with a delightful cross, the full-back heading home. The Frenchman was involved once more as he flicked Angel Di Maria’s corner on to David Luiz, the defender increasing PSG’s lead when the ball deflected off his thigh. Pressure on the Parisian's backline was not telling as Ibrahimovic forced a Darijo Srna own goal during the dying embers of the fixture.

PSG clinical in first-half

The first competitive encounter between these two sides started with the hosts pressurising PSG’s three man midfield. Blaise Matuidi was able to find the overlapping Maxwell though, one of eight Brazilian born players starting the match, before the left-back expertly lifted the ball into the periphery of the six-yard box. Taison, motionless at the back post, was unable to track Serge Aurier’s late run and the Champions League debutant duly headed into the bottom corner of Andriy Pyatov’s goal.

Serge Aurier celebrates the opener.

The full-backs were heavily involved in the visitors’ early opportunities and the 22-year-old goalscorer was later found providing a chance for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede has been underperforming this term, not living up to his usually high standards, scoring just twice thus far, and was found wanting once more as his header drifted well wide.

Maxwell had an opportunity to double his team’s advantage but his effort, masterminded by Edinson Cavani after the in-form forward collected Ibrahimovic’s pass in an onside position, was well blocked. The resulting corner, however, could not be kept out as David Luiz fortunately diverted Angel Di Maria’s set piece past the goalkeeper. A curling cross from the former Manchester United winger was flicked on by Serge Aurier, replacing Gregory van der Wiel with the Dutchman sustaining a groin injury at Guingamp, and the onrushing Luiz rather fortuitously looped the ball into the net through his thigh.

A threat from Shakhtar was always possible, with a plethora of attacking options at their disposable. The Ukrainian Super Cup holders, playing second fiddle to Dynamo Kiev in the Ukrainian Premier League, are unbeaten in their last five whilst on domestic duties and finally showcased their attacking threat before the interval. An ineffable run from Alex Teixeira on the left flank provided an opportunity for Oleksandr Gladkyy, only for the forward to see his shot blocked. Oleksandr Kucher then found himself with a chance to reduce the deficit but the Ukraine international’s strike sailed over the bar before Deniz Aytekin signalled for half-time.

Shakhtar Donetsk improved but Zlatan seals victory

Hirnyky started the second half brightly, with Alex Teixeira and Taison proving dangerous after the break. Running at the defense, the pair came close to unlocking Paris Saint-Germain’s back four and would have done had it not been for an offside call and a near miss from Taison. Better from Mircea Lucescu’s team.

At the other end, Laurent Blanc decided to stick with his customary 4-3-3 formation despite being away from home and arguably should have been rewarded for his bravery in the form of more goals. Marco Verratti’s crisp strike, assisted by Cavani, was blocked before Di Maria wasted yet another chance. The summer addition has impressed in the French capital since his arrival and should have improved his goalscoring tally on Wednesday night. With Shakhtar Donetsk playing a dangerously high line, the Argentine found himself through on goal on multiple occasions but could not convert due to some poorly executed dinks.

Di Maria wasted chances.

The second 45 signalled a change in fortunes for Shakhtar, who were testing the French outfit’s defenders throughout the second half. Teixeira remained their main goal threat, especially after a frustrated Taison was substituted for Bernard 71 minutes in, and forced Kevin Trapp into a fantastic save before rattling the crossbar. Trapp, under some criticism following two calamitous mistakes against Bordeaux, rushed out well to deny the 25-year-old but would not have been able to deny Kroty’s 10th highest goalscorer of all time had he kept two following shots down.

Mircea Lucescu was left ruing his side’s missed chances moments later as Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the game to bed due to an outstanding counter attack. Lucas Moura, on for Cavani, was adjudged to be fouled on the halfway line but the German referee intelligently allowed the advantage. The ball was eventually played to Ibrahimovic, whose shot deflected past the ‘keeper courtesy of Darijo Srna. The striker wheeled away but the modesty of the celebration indicated he knew Pauleta’s goalscoring record had not been equalled.

A three goal margin flattered the Ligue 1 champions, who were lucky not to concede, but Real Madrid beating Malmo sets up an enticing clash between the two European giants. Both level on six points, the doubleheader will likely decide who will finish at the summit of Group A. Signs were promising for the Ukrainian side, who will battle Malmo for a Europa League place.

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About the author
Conor de Smith
Trying to make it in journalism. Contributing to VAVEL since July 2013.