Di Maria shines as PSG sink Marseille again

Argentine winger Angel di Maria produced a majestic performance capped by two fine goals to help French Cup holder Paris St Germain reach the semi-final with a 3-0 win over Olympique Marseille Wednesday. It was a carbon copy of PSG's 3-0 league victory over Marseille Sunday in which their Brazil forward Neymar suffered a broken foot that requires surgery and is likely to keep him out for six to eight weeks. PSG's win came amid two quarter-final shocks as third division Les Herbiers and Chambly, both in the relegation zone, upset more heralded rivals to reach the last four. Les Herbiers beat second division Lens 4-2 on penalties following a goalless stalemate after extra time Tuesday and Chambly stunned top-tier Strasbourg 1-0 thanks to a late Lassana Doucoure goal Wednesday. Di Maria, whose playing time this season has been limited by Neymar's performances, scored both goals with his weaker right foot and was a constant menace to Marseille, whose goalkeeper Steve Mandanda spared the visitor from a heavier defeat.

6 - Angel Di Maria has scored six goals in his last four starts with @PSG_English in all competitions. Revitalized.

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 28, 2018

Di Maria opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime when he drilled in a stinging low shot from 20m which took a slight deflection off Marseille defender Adil Rami, prompting Mandanda to kick his post in frustration. Di Maria added the second in the 48th minute with a composed finish after left back Yuri Berchiche's teasing cross sailed past two defenders. Mandanda, who had saved a Di Maria piledriver in the first half, somehow kept out Edinson Cavani's header and Julian Draxler shot inches wide with a spectacular overhead kick before Cavani sealed the rout in the 82nd minute. A dazzling move through the middle left Cavani with time to crash a thumping low shot past Mandanda as the home fans celebrated at the Parc des Princes. Caen host fellow first division side Olympique Lyonnais in the other quarter-final Thursday.

Angel Di Maria has 16 goals and 6 assists for PSG this season.

A goal involvement every 70 minutes. ? pic.twitter.com/LOndaOc9S2— bet365 (@bet365) February 28, 2018

RESULTSChambly 1 (Doucoure 83) Strasbourg 0PSG 3 (Di Maria 45+1, 48, Cavani 81) Marseille 0 THURSDAY'S MATCHCaen v Lyon