Firmly on course for a record-breaking 11th top-flight title, PSG went into this contest without the services of Lionel Messi, with the World Cup hero serving a two-week internal suspension after Monday’s unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for commercial engagements.
That presented Hugo Ekitike with an opportunity to plead his case for more regular starts, and the Reims loanee went close to opening the scoring inside two minutes, but he could only guide his effort into the side netting after meeting Juan Bernat’s low cross.
Just six minutes later, Kylian Mbappe showed the young novice how it’s done, and notched his 24th league goal of the season after latching onto a deflected cross from Vitinha that looped onto the crossbar.
Somewhat fortuitously, the ball dropped down for Mbappe to nod home from point-blank range, sending Troyes ever closer to the abyss.
Fabian Ruiz then led PSG’s search for a second goal, forcing Gauthier Gallon to make a quickfire brace of fine saves.
Yet, the fading moments of the first half showed some promise from Troyes, with Gianluigi Donnarumma pulling off a fine stop to push Mama Balde’s diving header around the post.
That gave the hosts something positive to focus on as they made their way down the tunnel, but Christophe Galtier’s side quickly reestablished their authority after the restart.
PSG’s constant pressure eventually paid dividends just before the hour mark, when Marco Verratti’s inch-perfect ball found Vitinha.
His initial header was saved, but a favourable rebound ricocheted off the Portugal international and nestled into the net.
With a two-goal lead finally established, PSG became somewhat complacent, and they were punished by Xavier Chavalerin, who glanced home Pape Ndiaga Yade’s neat cross to give the hosts a semblance of hope.
Troyes’ renewed belief lasted just three minutes though, as Ruiz rattled in a third to wrap up a fourth consecutive away win that leaves Troyes 12 points adrift of safety with four games to play.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
