Salzburg seize initiative with PSG win

FC Salzburg revived their hopes of a place in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages with a 2-0 victory at home against Group F rivals Paris Saint-Germain FC.

A goal from in-form Jakob Jantscher set the Austrian outfit on course during an exhilarating first half in which both sides sparkled. PSG pushed for an equaliser throughout but Dušan Švento's spectacular late volley sealed the points for the hosts and ensured they move ahead of their French counterparts in second by virtue of a superior head-to-head record.

Wary that Salzburg required victory to remain in the competition, PSG were not going to risk sitting back and looked to get forward wherever opportunity allowed. However, the visitors were caught on the counter with 20 minutes gone as Jantscher broke from his own half and fed Christoph Leitgeb, who crossed for the 22-year-old to side-foot home at the far post.

The opening goal initiated a thrilling spell of first-half action in which both sides created opportunities. Mevlüt Erdinç twice fired wide and Nenê saw his curled effort tipped over as PSG sought a leveller, but Jantscher and Martin Hinteregger both kept Nicolas Douchez busy at the other end. Gonzalo Zárate could have twice doubled Salzburg's tally before the interval but the Argentinian headed and then shot just wide.

Chances were rarer in the second period, but the intensity remained. Leitgeb hit a low drive straight at Douchez shortly after the restart, but PSG looked the more dangerous with substitute Jean-Christophe Bahebeck forcing a superb save from Alexander Walke and Nenê firing inches wide in added time. However, ultimately it was Švento who stole the headlines, smashing in from Simon Cziommer's corner to ensure the Bulls' fate will be in their own hands when they travel to ŠK Slovan Bratislava in a fortnight's time.