Paris Saint Germain 3 - 0 Bayern Munich: PSG send Champions League statement by sweeping past Bayern Munich

Posted Thursday, September 28, 2017 by PA

Edinson Cavani was on target again as Paris St Germain served warning of their Champions League threat with a 3-0 win against fellow Group B heavyweights Bayern Munich.

Cavani struck with a superb second goal before half-time - his 10th in as many appearances this season - after PSG had stunned the Germans by taking a second-minute lead through Dani Alves at the Parc des Princes.

Fit-again Neymar added a third just after the hour-mark and appeared to put his recent spat with Cavani behind him to help lead Bayern a merry dance, while Kylian Mbappe was in breathtaking form as all three lived up to their star billing.

Neymar, recalled to the side after missing the goalless draw at Montpelier at the weekend due to a foot injury, set up the opening goal after just 90 seconds.

The Brazilian wrong-footed the Bayern defence on the edge of the penalty area before playing in Dani Alves, who drilled a low shot through Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich's legs.

Bayern responded well from that early setback. Thomas Muller's header was deflected wide and the visiting skipper fired the wrong side of the near post after he had ghosted in unmarked on to Kimmich's corner.

PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola then turned Javi Martinez's fierce shot over the crossbar as Bayern chased an equaliser.

Neymar's touch deserted him after being played in on the edge of the box by Adrien Rabiot, but soon after Mbappe combined with Cavani to devastating effect to give PSG a 2-0 lead.

Mbappe opened up the Bayern defence down the right and checked to play the ball inside to Cavani, who crashed home a first-time shot from the edge of the area.

Cavani's curling effort saw him become only the fifth player to score in six successive Champions League games.

Neymar's neat backheel set up Cavani again on the edge of the area, but Ulreich kept out the latter's shot with his legs.

Bayern saw enough of the ball, but struggled to create clear openings before the break, with Muller's dangerous, deep cross palmed clear by Areola.

Alves rescued PSG when clearing Martinez's header from a corner off the goal line early in the second half before Neymar lost his composure to fire wide.

Bayern lacked their usual clinical efficiency, but substitute Sebastian Rudy's long-range drive forced Areola into another save.

But Ulreich was at full stretch to keep out Neymar's free-kick and the Brazilian made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute from close range after Mbappe had turned brilliantly inside to play the ball across goal.

Arturo Vidal turned home a rebound four minutes later after his initial shot was saved, but his effort was ruled offside as nothing went right for the visitors, while Kimmich's excellent cross was punched behind by Areola.

Cavani curled a free-kick over the crossbar after Neymar significantly appeared to let the Uruguayan take it following reports of the pair's recent fall-out over who would take penalties this season.

Bayern substitute Kingsley Coman's late angled drive and Robert Lewandowski's stoppage-time free-kick were both well saved by Areola as PSG, who have scored eight goals in their first two Group B matches, kept a second clean sheet.