PSG 1-1 Arsenal
Edinson Cavani wasted at least three clear chances at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday as Paris Saint Germain were held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal in their Champions League Group A opener.
Just 44 seconds into the match, the Uruguayan striker scored the very first goal of this season’s C1, heading in a cross from Serge Aurier who was picked out by Angel Di Maria’s long pass.
Les Parisians’ lead was canceled out with 12 minutes to go when Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez rifled a low drive into the corner, helping the Gunners salvage a point and a much valued away goal.
The French champions controlled most of the early play and Cavani nearly made Arsene Wenger’s side pay at 34, when the Uruguayan benefited from Nacho Monreal’s poor clearance, rounded Arsenal keeper David Ospina before firing wide.
And since I know you’re all craving to see Cavani’s miss too, here, enjoy: pic.twitter.com/Y5ImffVAzc
— Alex Truica (@AlexTruica) September 13, 2016
Cavani missed another chance just before the break, as he gathered a Di Maria pass behind the Arsenal back line only to lose his footing.
The striker was in again in the 71st minute before Ospina rushed off his line to smother his shot.
It could have been worse for Arsenal if not for a superb block of Ospina who stretched to tip Di Maria’s volley over the bar just moments ahead of Sanchez’s equalizer.
Both sides ended with 10 men after the visitors’ French forward Olivier Giroud, who started on the bench, and PSG’s Marco Verratti were shown their second yellow cards in stoppage time.
Giroud’s red card. pic.twitter.com/Wbg5CKI1Wf
— AFCPressWatch© (@AFCPressWatch) September 13, 2016
PSG, who suffered a lack lustre start in Ligue 1 and took only one point from their last two league games, next travel to Ludogorets, while Professor Wenger’s side will host Basel 15 days later.