Wang Shuang netted her first ever Champions League goal as Paris Saint-Germain eased to an emphatic 2-0 victory over Linkopings FC in the first leg of their round of 16 at Linkoping Arena on Wednesday night.
The Chinese talisman was once again in imperious form as the French champions overcame a low-key start to cruise past their Swedish hosts, with Marie Katoto also adding a goal to her name.
Early interest in the game was provided by the question of how quickly Wang could get onto the scoresheet or set up goals. The 23-year-old China international has either scored or assisted a goal in each of his last six PSG appearances before Wednesday.
Chances were unlikely to be abundant with Linkopings contenting to do more defending than attacking, but Wang got her first sight of goal after 16 minutes and managed to place an inch-perfect pass to Paulina Dudek after embarking on one of her trademark right-to-left slalom runs. But Dudek failed to apply the finishing touch.
Wang Shuang has had a hand in six goals in her last six games for PSG. /VCG Photo
Onema Geyoro instigated the breakthrough when she floated a brilliant cross to the back post for the unmarked Katoto to poke home. Another incisive PSG move, this time when a pinpoint cross from Wang found Perle Morroni, almost brought a second goal. But Morroni somehow steered the ball narrowly wide.
Andrine Hegerberg missed another chance to make it 2-0 from a set piece by the excellent Wang as the Norway midfielder's close-range shot was blocked by defenders in the goalmouth scramble that followed.
A few minutes later it was all over as PSG finally turned the screw and killed off the hosts' hopes of getting back on level terms when Wang's speculative effort from distance took a wicked deflection and looped into the net.
PSG will play the return leg of their Champions League round of 16 at home on October 31.