PSG 0-1 Lorient
In driving rain, Paris Saint-Germain lost their opening match of the 2011-12 campaign, 1-0 to Lorient thanks to Julien Quercia's first-half strike.
More than two months after the final game of last season, PSG fans and football lovers in general could put an end to their patient waiting. After a very busy summer, there was plenty of expectation surrounding the capital club, but in Lorient was a team that have traditionally posed problems for the capital club at the Parc des Princes.
While new signing Javier Pastore received a massive ovation when he was presented to the capital club supporters, the match began in torrential rain and it was Lorient who made the brighter start. Quercia set up Monnet-Paquet, who somehow contrived to miss the empty goal in front of him (11'). Kevin Gameiro responded, latching onto the end of a Guillaume Hoarau flick, the former Lorient striker fired his half-volley just wide (15').
Christian Gourcuff's side were stretching the home team and when Jouffre fired in his free-kick, he found Quercia unmarked at the back post to open the scoring with a simple finish (0-1, 28'). PSG were down, but not out and finished the first half on top. Nene fired just over (37') and Mamadou Sakho saw his header cleared off the line (45'+3).
Les Rouge et Bleu started the second half as they had finished the first. Hoarau (46') and Nene (49') both fired wide of Audard's goal. For their part, Lorient tried to take the game beyond their hosts but Jouffre couldn't hit the target (53') and Mvuemba saw his shot denied by Sirigu (58') and his free-kick denied by the crossbar (70').
New defender Milan Bisevac tried a volley (77') and Nene tried his trademark curling shot (85'), but all to no avail as PSG lost 1-0. It's a false start for Antoine Kombouaré's side but they will be looking to bounce back next weekend at the Stade de la Route de… Lorient, where Rennes will be waiting...
