Neymar back in action

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar Jr ./ AFP PHOTO / Anne-Christine POUJOULAT SHENZEN, China — Brazilian superstar Neymar made his first club appearance since February as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) thrashed Monaco 4-0 in the French Champions Trophy in China on Saturday.

Angel Di Maria’s double fired PSG to their first silverware under new coach Thomas Tuchel as Neymar, long sidelined by a foot injury, came on as a late substitute.

Di Maria’s thunderous free-kick opened the scoring on 33 minutes in searing heat and he grabbed PSG’s fourth in injury time following strikes from youngsters Christopher Nkunku and Timothy Weah.

It was a comprehensive win for the reigning French champions in the season’s curtain-raiser, even without Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani who are yet to return after the World Cup.

PSG start their Ligue 1 title defence on Sunday, August 12, with a home match against Caen.

“I’m very happy, because we won our first final. It’s great, winning 4-0 is incredible,” said the 44-year-old Tuchel.