Neymar stole the show without even playing as Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Amiens.
The world-record signing was not registered in time to take part in the game but received a hero’s welcome on a tour of the Parc des Princes pitch before kickoff.
It was a daunting Ligue 1 debut for Amiens, who snatched promotion from Ligue 2 in the final seconds of last season to reach the top division for the first time.
But they were not embarrassed despite PSG dominating both possession and chances.
The opening goal came in the 41st minute from Edinson Cavani, who turned in a cross from Dani Alves — PSG’s other high-profile Brazilian signing who was eligible to play.
It was not until 10 minutes from time that the hosts doubled their lead, Marco Verratti unselfishly finding Javier Pastore who had the simple task of slotting home.
PSG had plenty of opportunities from the start, with Cavani, Alves and Adrien Rabiot all missing openings — the latter hit the bar with a header and then saw a shot saved by Regis Gurtner.
Amiens’ only real opening came in the 29th minute when an Issa Cissokho header flew just wide of the post.
Gurtner continued to repel PSG after the break, denying Angel Di Maria and Cavani twice, but Pastore did manage to break through his defences in the 80th minute.