Edinson Cavani's hat trick helps PSG set two Ligue 1 records

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:59 am
Edinson Cavani and PSG cruised to a win in Corsica on Saturday.
PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA/AFP/Getty Images

Edinson Cavani blasted a hat trick as Paris Saint-Germain set Ligue 1 records for both points and goals in a season in an 4-0 win at GFC Ajaccio, who slipped back into the bottom three.

PSG only needed a point to surpass their own high mark of 89 points set two seasons ago. They also set a goals record with 97, breaking Marseille's record of 94 in 1970-71.

The hosts were looking for an unlikely win against the champions but, when Cavani gave Laurent Blanc's side a first-half lead, a vital three points for the Corsicans looked unlikely.

And, with fellow relegation candidates Toulouse winning at home, another two second-half Cavani goals and a solitary Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike inflicted a defeat that saw Thierry Laurey's side slip back into the bottom three.

GFC had never scored against their lofty opponents and, when PSG took an early lead, relegation from Ligue 1 looked to be edging ever closer.

Angel Di Maria was the creator, starting when the Argentinian's superb delivery from the left picked out the rising Cavani, who powered a header beyond Clement Maury to hand the champions an early lead.

Fully aware of what was at stake, Ajaccio were not deterred but, despite dominating large parts of the first-half possession, the hosts were not able to impress upon a resolute PSG defence as Kevin Trapp remained untested at the break.

However, despite their efforts, the Corsican side found themselves two goals behind just moments after the restart.

Di Maria was once again the architect and his raking pass was superbly brought down at the back post by Cavani before the Uruguay international calmly controlled before slotting beyond Maury from close range.

And Cavani had his hat trick sealed inside an hour when when he headed Layvin Kurzawa's pinpoint delivery beyond Maury to send Ajaccio ever close to Ligue 2 football.

There still time for Ibrahimovic to get in on the act, despite being largely ineffective, after the Sweden international escaped the attentions of the hosts' defence in the last minute before sliding the ball into the bottom corner when faced only with Maury.