Paris Saint-Germain’s arguably most impressive win of the season was on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League group stage as it defeated Manchester City by a 2-0 final score.
What was most promising in the performance for the Parisian juggernauts was Kylian Mbappe’s key showing in the match, as he was instrumental in assisting Lionel Messi when the latter instinctively initiated the 1-2 interplay with his younger strike partner and the French World Cup winner was immediately game and good with his immediate response that set up the Argentine’s howitzer for PSG’s second goal of the match and the Argentine’s first career score with the French powerhouse.
That instinctive interaction between the duo augurs exceedingly well for the Parc des Princes. For Mbappe, especially, one notable takeaway from this match was the promising showing from himself, Neymar and Messi, which the French forward threw light on in his interview with L’Equipe.
“Against Manchester City, it was the first that we were all there playing at a decent level, even if we’re not at the peak of our form yet,” Mbappe said. “Beating City is a catalyst to get this season going.”
Mbappe also touched on the match to RMC Sport, where he cautioned restraint, saying that PSG would do well not to reflect too much on the match even after such a notable win.
“In the Champions League, it’s quite satisfying with this victory at home against Manchester City,” Mbappe said. “We are moving forward quietly. We try to prepare ourselves as well as possible, to be ready for the really crucial moments of the season.
“We shouldn’t glorify this victory more than that. It’s still a group game. We’re expected to be there all season long. Of course it’s good to win against a great team like Manchester City and to show what we showed in that game.”
PSG and Manchester City will both meet again in the return Champions League group stage match later this season.