Di Maria sparkles as PSG retain League Cup for fourth time

Julian Draxler fired PSG ahead with just four minutes played in the final in Lyon, but Thomas Lemar levelled for Monaco before the half hour. 

Argentine international Di Maria restored the lead for Unai Emery’s side a minute before halftime and Edinson Cavani sealed a record seventh title for PSG with a clinical second-half brace. 

After the shock of their Champions League last 16 collapse against Barcelona in the second leg, a third meeting with Ligue 1 leaders Monaco this season presented an opportunity for redemption for PSG. 

Monaco’s Radamel Falcao failed to shake off a nagging hip injury that has sidelined the Colombian since March 11, but Thiago Motta returned to the PSG line-up for his first start in six weeks. 

PSG have dominated the competition in recent seasons — Monaco’s last major trophy came when they won the 2003 final — and the holders stormed into an early lead albeit in controversial circumstances. 

Verratti slipped Di Maria in behind the defence, with the Argentine electing to unselfishly slide the ball across for Draxler to tap home.