PSG Top Galatasaray in Champions League Group Stage with Neymar Suspended

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Galatasaray 1-0 on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.

Mauro Icardi scored his first goal in PSG's colours since joining on loan from Inter Milan, as the striker slotted home after 52 minutes.

Neymar was absent, completing the final match of a recent ban, but his team did not need him as they won the points in Turkey.

The Ligue 1 champions navigated a hostile environment on their travels, and the home fans created a tidal wave of noise in support of their team.

Angel Di Maria was the biggest threat in the opening moments for the visitors, but the French side failed to break the deadlock.

Gala goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was in good form, denying PSG from taking the advantage, and the game was nearly flipped on its head when Jean Michael Seri almost gave the hosts a shock lead before half-time.

STR/Associated Press

Thomas Tuchel's men continued to dominate possession, and PSG deservedly made it 1-0 seven minutes after the interval.

Icardi was marked in the match, but the forward linked up with Pablo Sarabia for the most simple of finishes.

The crowd were stunned by the goal, but PSG had dominated proceedings and deserved their slender lead.

Gala struggled to create, despite a spirited display, but PSG defender Marquinhos was forced to clear the ball off the line from Ryan Donk. Radamel Falcao also went close from a direct free-kick, but the visitors soaked up the intermittent pressure from the Istanbul giants.

Kylian Mbappe made an appearance as a second-half substitute for PSG, continuing his comeback from a hamstring injury, and PSG remained tight and organised in the final moments, comfortably claiming the points.

What's Next

Both sides are in domestic-league action on Saturday. PSG welcome Angers in Ligue 1, and Gala travel to Genclerbirligi in the Super Lig.