Lucas Moura scored the only goal of the game as Paris Saint-Germain started the defence of their Ligue 1 title with a 1-0 victory over Lille this evening.
Laurent Blanc's side were dealt a blow when Adrien Rabiot picked up two yellow cards in the space of five first-half minutes, but a fine passing move resulted in Lucas scoring the winner on a night when new signing Angel di Maria was in the stands to watch his teammates.
© Getty Images
Chances were tough to come by throughout the first half as PSG dominated possession but struggled to cause problems for a stubborn Lille defence.
The lively Lucas created the best opportunity when he found space on the wing to cross for Rabiot, who could only send his header over the crossbar.
After spending much of the early stages on the back foot, Lille were handed a boost when Rabiot was shown a second yellow card for pulling back Sebastien Corchia in midfield.
Chances were no easier to come by following the midfielder's dismissal, but Lille quickly grew in confidence and threatened before the break when Corchia fired a long-range free kick straight at Kevin Trapp.
© Getty Images
The key moment arrived early in the second half as a spell of PSG pressure ended with Lucas linking up with Edinson Cavani and Blaise Matuidi before rounding Vincent Enyeama and tapping home.
Despite the numerical advantage, Lille struggled after being forced to chase the game as PSG dropped deep to defend impressively behind lone striker Cavani.
Lille's best chance of claiming a point appeared to be from a set piece, but Corchia wasted a good opportunity when he fired over the crossbar from the edge of the box as PSG held on to start their defence with a victory.
Callum Mulvihill
