Zlatan Ibrahimovic fires PSG to easy win over Bastia

Corsica: Paris Saint-Germain’s undefeated start to the Ligue 1 season continued on Saturday afternoon as they produced a solid performance to defeat Bastia 4-0 in Corsica.

Although the hosts were always a menace and even made the better start to the game, Jeremy Menez opened the scoring for Carlo Ancelotti’s men before Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave them some vital insurance with a fine goal just before the break. Blaise Matuidi made the points safe with 20 minutes remaining and late on Ibrahimovic increased the hosts` misery. The passion the home fans showed throughout this match was reflected by their players on the field, and within seconds of the start they nearly stunned PSG with a dangerous attack that required Salvatore Sirigu to grip a wicked cross. Les Parisiens offered very little initially, yet they still managed to open the scoring. Abysmal defending from the hosts was largely to blame as a Nene free kick was delivered to the back post, where Ibrahimovic was easily able to head along the six-yard box for Menez to convert unchecked. Bastia would, in fact, remain a more regular threat. Wahib Khazri twice unleashed fierce shots from distance that required excellent saves from Sirigu. However, despite the menace of the Corsicans, PSG burst into life just before the break. Ibrahimovic had an audacious backheel go just wide before he doubled the lead of the visiting side, latching onto a superb pass from Marco Verratti to touch a shot into the corner of the net. Without really looking in top gear, Ancelotti would see his side maintain control on this encounter. Clement Chantome shot wide from a difficult angle as he attempted to make the game truly safe, and moments later Bastia reminded their opponents of the threat they can pose as Julien Palmieri’s low drive required vigilance from Sirigu. Shortly afterwards, the points were finally tied up by the title favourites when Nene rolled a pass through the heart of the home defence, inviting Matuidi to score a rare goal. There was an appetite for a fourth shown by the visitors, with Brazilian attacking midfielder Nene going close to grabbing it with a curling shot that Novaes tipped wide. Bastia, though, would have added some deserved respectability to the scoreline had Sirigu not produced a miracle save in the closing stages to thwart Toifilou Maoulida from close range, ensuring his cleansheet in the process. In the last minute they would be punished further when Nene released Ibrahimovic to score with another remarkably cool finish. Victory temporarily puts PSG into third position in Ligue 1, although there are still eight weekend fixtures left to be played. Goal.com