though Pastore's effort was cleared off the line by Franck Signorino following an excellent run by Lucas.

Pastore was at the centre of things again shortly after, this time turning creator as the Argentine picked out Cavani, who ultimately saw his effort deflect off a defender and then Kossi Agassa in the Reims goal.

Lucas soon began to rival Pastore as PSG's biggest threat, tormenting Reims with his powerful runs and blinding pace, but he was denied a fine solo effort by Mohamed Fofana's last-gasp intervention in the 26th minute.

The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes later, though, as Cavani latched on to a Marco Verratti through pass and slid a shot under Agassa.

Rabiot doubled PSG's lead just before the break, slamming home emphatically from 20 yards after being released bythe brilliant Lucas.

The hosts' start to the second half was no by means ideal, though, as Reims showed a marked improvement and pulled a goal back in the 54th minute, Mandi heading Signorino's excellent delivery beyond Nicolas Douchez.

Olivier Guegan's men almost restored parity two minutes later. This time, however, Douchez was able to thwart Gaetan Charbonnier, who had fought his way past Thiago Silva and shot from a tight angle.

PSG remained a threat, but Reims continued to find joy on the break and Diego should have levelled 72 minutes in, blazing over from 16 yards after pouncing on Zoumana Camara's failed clearance.

Blanc's side made the most of that let-off seven minutes from time, Cavani collecting Ezequiel Lavezzi's low left-wing cross and sweeping into the bottom-right corner.

Although Kyei pulled