Ben Arfa pushes PSG closer to French Cup defence

Paris, April 6 (IANS) Fuelled by Hatem Ben Arfa's two goals and one assist, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) eased past third-tier club US Avranches 4-0 in the quarter-finals of the French Cup football tournament and moved one step further towards defending their title.

PSG's head coach Unai Emery made eight changes to the starting line-up on Wednesday from last Saturday's French League Cup final, with the attacking trio of Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler all rested for the game, reports Xinhua news agency.

PSG were awarded a free-kick in the 35th minute when Lucas Moura tipped the ball to Ben Arfa to score.

With a one-goal advantage in hand, PSG dominated the second half, as they capitalised on Avranches's leaking defence for two more goals in just a three-minute span.

After playing as an unselfish provider for Ben Arfa to put the ball into an empty net, Lucas himself also beat Avranches goalkeeper in the 56th minute.

Javier Pastore set it at 4-0 on Ben Arfa's assist with eight minutes remaining.

Earlier on Wednesday, Angers eliminated fellow Ligue 1 side Bordeaux 2-1. 

In the semi-finals, PSG will face Ligue 1 leaders AS Monaco, whom they beat 4-1 in French League Cup final. Angers will fight for the other final spot with Guingamp.