PSG cruise through

Kalou opened the scoring from a Pauleta pass in the 10th minute and sealed PSG's win after a fine combination with Czech defender David Rozehnal in the 59th.

Former Portugal striker Pauleta had made it 2-0 from a Marcelo Gallardo free kick in the 23rd.

Argentina midfielder Gallardo, who joined the capital club from River Plate during the winter break, looked promising on his debut for the Parisians.

PSG hope Gallardo's skills can help them bounce back from a terrible first half of the season.

"Having Marcelo is a bonus but we must all help him," said Kalou. "This is a nice win but we have to keep in mind that Nimes are not a Ligue 1 side. We can build from this but we have plenty of work to do."

PSG now go on to meet second division Gueugnon, who beat PSG 2-0 in the French League Cup final in 2000, in the second round later this month.

Champions Olympique Lyon also made a winning start but failed to shine, needing a late free kick from Brazilian set-piece artist Juninho to win 2-1 at fourth-division Bayonne.

Lyon opened the scoring on a soggy pitch early on courtesy of an own goal from Bayonne defender Emmanuel Degoul but the home side levelled on the hour with a superb long-range effort from captain Michel Bidegain.

"It wasn't easy but it's a deserved win because we created many opportunities," said Lyon coach Gerard Houllier.

Lyon have a seemingly easy task in the next round against fifth division Laon.

There will be two all-Ligue 1 ties in the second round with Monaco hosting Toulouse and Le Mans entertaining Olympique Marseille.