Diane earns PSG win
A goal by second-half substitute Aruna Diane gave Paris Saint Germain a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Strasbourg here on Wednesday and was enough to see the League Cup winners move out of the bottom three.
The Ivory Coast international, who had been applauded on to the pitch whereas the man he replaced Pegguy Luyindula was booed off, struck 18 minutes from time shooting home from fellow substitute Bernard Mendy's cross to give the 1996 Cup Winners Cup winners their first league victory since Jaunary 23.
The three points saw PSG rise to fourth from bottom, equal on points with Strasbourg and a point ahead of the team they beat in last Saturday's League Cup final Lens, who have a game in hand.
PSG could claim justice was done as they had a goal ruled out harshly for offside in the first-half and had valid appeals for a penalty for handball by Pascal Johansen also turned down later in the first period.
Strasbourg, who have never won away against PSG and last garnered a point against their opponents in Paris 10 years ago, did have their moments in the first-half with Johansen forcing France international goalkeeper Mickael Landreau into a smart save while the error prone guardian produced a first class save from Kevin Gameiro's header in the 28th minute.
Both sides face crucial matches again this weekend with PSG travelling to highflying Nancy, who are fighting it out with Bordeaux and Marseille for Champions League places, while Strasbourg host Monaco in what is a real relegation six-pointer.
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