Strasbourg 2 PSG 4: Angel Di Maria, Dani Alves and Julian Draxler strike in Neymar’s absence

ANGEL DI MARIA helped Paris Saint-Germain cope with the loss of Neymar as they started their Coupe de la Ligue defence with a bang at Strasbourg.

The world’s most-expensive missed the clash after being given permission to fly back to Brazil to sort out a family matter.

3

But his absence was not felt as Di Maria played a key role in helping PSG to a 4-2 victory at the ground they suffered their first defeat of the season at earlier this month.

The Argentine received the ball from Julian Draxler with 13 minutes on the clock and whipped in a cross that was calamitously fired into the net by Strasbourg defender Yoann Salmier.

Di Maria was involved again as PSG doubled their advantage before the half hour mark.

He combined with compatriot Javier Pastore down the left, but the latter’s cross was fumbled by goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja, allowing the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star to pounce and fire home the loose ball.

3

3

Edinson Cavani almost stretched the lead before Strasbourg clawed a goal back.

Anthony Goncalves attempted to volley goalwards, but instead found colleague Jeremy Grimm, who chested down before sending finishing right-footed past Kevin Trapp on 36 minutes.

NEY'S HOMECOMING Neymar jets home to Brazil to solve family crisis

However, any hopes of the hosts turning the scoreline on its head quickly evaporated when Dani Alves struck after being teed up by acting left-back Thomas Meunier.

Meunier was the provider again for PSG’s fourth goal.

LATEST PSG NEWS

KYL-LER BLOW

Fans claim Mbappe 'just destroyed poor man’s career' after PSG star's skill

KYLLER INSTINCT

Fans left split on whether Mbappe meant to score with bizarre heel flick

LIAN IN WAIT

PSG line up £172m Mbappe transfer replacement despite teen being 'untouchable'

HIGH BAR

Barcelona want Liverpool superstar in shock move to make them 'intimidating'

CLAIM YOUR FREE £30 BET Check out this new sign up offer from Sun Bets

He linked up with Giovani Lo Celso before cutting the ball back for Draxler to finish with 12 remaining.

Kylian Mbappe nearly got his name on the scoresheet in the closing stages as his effort grzed the post.

But it would be Strasbourg who bagged last on the night as they claimed a bit of pride through Jeremy Blayac.