Paris Saint-Germain took a step closer to the knockout stages of the Europa League thanks to Javier Pastore’s 63rd minute strike that settled its Group F encounter versus Slovan Bratislava at Parc des Princes.
Despite the French side enjoying the lion’s share of opportunities, Bratislava failed to convert several chances in what was an open contest. Mathieu Bodmer was guilty of squandering a guilt-edged opening to make the scoreline more respectable for the Ligue 1 leaders, but Pastore's goal proved enough to edge PSG closer to progression.
Keepers Nicolas Douchez and Lukas Hrosso were kept relatively busy by both teams in the opening half hour with mostly long-range shots peppering their respective goals.
PSG winger Nene spent much of the night tormenting the visitors, with several powerful left-footed shots from open play and set pieces. At the other end, Marko Milinkovic nearly saw his team get on the scoresheet first, but instead forced a good save from Douchez just before the hour mark.
Not to be outdone, Douchez's opposite number Hroso also showed his athletic ability by parrying a fierce right-footed piledriver from Jeremy Menez.
A few minutes later, though, PSG made the breakthrough. Pastore struck a beautiful left cross from Nene through the legs of Hrosso to lift the Parisian crowd.
Hrosso and co tried to hang on and the Slovakian was forced into action more than once to keep the score down, and in the end the French hosts had to settle for a solitary goal victory.
Antoine Kombouare’s side are now unbeaten at home in 18 European matches (11 wins, seven draws) and trail Group F leaders Athletic Bilbao, who defeated Salzburg in the section's other fixture.
import from: http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-parissaintgermainslovanbrat
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