Paris, Nov 6 (IANS): Paris Saint-Germain claimed a comfortable 1-0 win over APOEL Nicosia to clinch a berth in UEFA Champions League pre-quarterfinals at the Parc des Princes here.
Despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence, Laurent Blanc's team took total control of the game after an immediate break forward down the right wing resulted in a brilliant early goal by Edinson Cavani.
The Uruguayan striker opened the scoring in the very first minute of the game, upon receiving a cross from Dutch defender Gregory van der Wiel with his back to goal.
Cavani found just at the heart of the penalty area by the cross, teed up for a volley while the visitors' goalkeeper Urko Pardo was unable to stop it.
It was the fastest goal of the Champions League season so far, PSG's quickest in the competition and Cavani's third goal in four games.
"It's good to be through. The first place is now at stake in Barcelona. Hopefully we can win over there. But for now we have another big game against Marseille (in Ligue 1 this weekend). We' ll do our best to close in on them on Sunday," PSG mid-fielder Javier Pastore said.
Paris are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches at home in the Champions League. Their last defeat came against CSKA Moskva back in 2004.