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Paris, France | AFP | Angel Di Maria kept up his irresistible form as a Paris Saint-Germain side missing Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe defeated Troyes 2-0 ahead of their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
The Argentine notched his 13th goal in 14 starts this year during Saturday’s visit to the Stade de l’Aube, which coincided with Neymar successfully undergoing an operation to repair a broken bone in his right foot.
Academy product Christopher Nkunku marked his first start of the season with his first goal this term 13 minutes from time to complete a victory that left PSG 14 points clear of defending champions Monaco at the top of Ligue 1.
PSG get the job done with a 2-0 win at Troyes! #ESTACPSG #AllezParis! ?? pic.twitter.com/bOnPEgA53b
— PSG English (@PSG_English) March 3, 2018
“Ahead of a big match and after (league and French Cup wins over) Marseille, I’m very happy because we kept up our level of play,” PSG coach Unai Emery said.
“I want the players to be ready (against Real). The players all want to play and that makes the decision tougher for me, but it’s better like that.”
With a 3-1 deficit to overcome in the second leg of their last-16 tie against Real on Tuesday, Emery refused to risk Cavani while Mbappe stayed in Paris to continue treatment on an ankle injury sustained against Marseille in midweek.
Marco Verratti was also rested for Saturday’s trip, as Di Maria again took full advantage of the opportunity presented to several members of PSG’s expensively assembled squad in the wake of Neymar’s injury.
Di Maria himself was feted as the player to turn PSG into genuine Champions League contenders when he signed from Manchester United for 63 million euros ($78 million) in 2015, and the 30-year-old has arguably been their best performer of late.
46′ Second half underway. PSG looking for a breakthrough in the final 45… #ESTACPSG #AllezParis! pic.twitter.com/uY5SzIEOL0
— PSG English (@PSG_English) March 3, 2018
“Angel is an important player who has the quality to make the difference,” Emery said. “He’s got both the confidence and the desire. We want the players to be at their best level on Tuesday, and for some like Angel, it will be a special moment.”
