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PSG continued their winning ways in Ligue 1 on Sunday. Goals from Marco Verratti, Sergio Ramos and Danilo Pereira helped them see off Reims 4-0 at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
It was one-way traffic for most of the game, though the visiting side tested PSG on the break on a few occasions. Lionel Messi started from the bench after recovering from COVID-19, while Keylor Navas replaced Gianluigi Donnarruma at goal.
Mauro Icardi had two goals ruled out in the game as his poor form in the final third continued. Nevertheless, with a comfortable win, PSG remain 11 points clear of Nice, whom the league leaders meet in the Coupe de France next week.
On that note, here's a look at five talking points from the game:
#5 Sergio Ramos opens his PSG account
Sergio Ramos got off the mark for the Parisians on Sunday. He scored the Parisians' second of the game against Reims. Ramos scoring goals was a common sight at Real Madrid. It has taken him just four games to open his account for Les Parisiens.
It was just the second start for the Spanish defender as he displayed what he can do when he is fully fit. Ramos has an uncanny ability to score from set-pieces, especially corners, as he helped his club to a comfortable win against Reims.
This goal might've also boosted his chances of retaining his spot in the upcoming games. As Marquinhos is virtually irreplaceable at the back, Ramos might get a chance ahead of Prisnel Kimpembe in the Parisians' next game.
#4 Marco Verratti scores first league goal in almost five years
Marco Verratti gave the hosts the lead against Reims minutes before the half-time whistle. He scored from inside the box, latching onto a deflected ball after Mauro Icardi's shot was blocked by Predrag Rajkovic.
The Italian was also helped by the frame of the goal. He would've certainly enjoyed the strike as it was his first of the season and the first in league competition since the 2016-17 campaign.
He was also involved in the buildup to the third goal of the game. Verratti again raced into the box to connect Messi's pass, but a huge deflection off Wout Faes meant it was adjudged as an own goal.
#3 Lionel Messi sizzles in cameo appearance
Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch for the first time this year for PSG on Sunday. He was not expected to start this game, having recently recovered from COVID-19.
The Argentine looked sharp in his cameo, having come onto the pitch in the 63rd minute in place of his compatriot Angel Di Maria. It took him just four minutes to get involved in a goal.
Following a short corner, he spotted Verratti's run into the box. The Italian midfielder took a first-time shot, having already registered himself on the scoresheet. The shot deflected off a Reims defender on its way in. While Messi did not get an assist for the goal, he was heavily involved in it.
#2 PSG impress in routine win
PSG looked like an improved side against Reims, as they showed determination going forward, and there was never a dull moment in the game. The hosts continued to put the pressure on Reims in search of goals and also contained the visiting side's attackers quite well.
The capital club have received flak for their unconvincing performances in the league this term. So it was a welcome sight to see their players working as a cohesive unit. Though there were a few lapses in defence, especially in the first half, the Parisians dished out an impressive performance overall.
They are now unbeaten in their last 11 games across competitions. Les Parisiens have kept a clean sheet in consecutive league games for the first time since September.
#1 Comfortable win boosts PSG's confidence ahead of tricky fixtures
There were a lot of positives to take away from the game for the hosts. That included Messi's return to the pitch, and Kylian Mbappe's rich form as he picked up his ninth assist of the campaign.
The Parisians must build on this win and not become complacent as they face some tough opponents in the next few days. They face second-placed Nice in a Cup game and reigning champions Lille in their next league outing.
They'll then host Rennes, the only club to have beaten them in the league this term. Roughly three weeks from now, the Parisians will take on Real Madrid in the first leg of a blockbuster Champions League last 16 fixture.
