Pastore points the way for PSG in Slovan win

Javier Pastore's sumptuous volley ensured Paris Saint-Germain FC consolidated second place in Group F, condemning ŠK Slovan Bratislava to a third defeat in four UEFA Europa League games and elimination.

PSG record signing Pastore was unmarked at the far post in the 63rd minute to turn Nenê's cross from the left through the legs of goalkeeper Lukáš Hroššo. The Argentinian international's first UEFA Europa League goal means a draw for the French side at FC Salzburg on matchday five would be enough to guarantee a place in the next round.

Having drawn 0-0 at home to nine-man PSG last time out, Slovan started on the front foot and had the first meaningful attempt of the match when Juraj Halenár forced a fine save from Nicolas Douchez in the ninth minute.

Yet it was PSG who dominated possession as well as the shot count, and midway through the opening period Hroššo had to be alert to keep out Mathieu Bodmer's effort at the second attempt. The hosts were mainly restricted to shots from distance, however, as their gifted attacking players often tried to force the issue by going it alone.

Early in the second half Hroššo beat away a swerving Jérémy Menez strike, while at the other end Halenár skied a glorious opportunity. Pastore gave Antoine Kombouaré's side the lead, meeting Nenê’s excellent cross on the volley and giving Hroššo no chance. Buoyed, PSG pushed forward and were unfortunate not to extend the winning margin late on through substitute Jean-Christophe Bahebeck.