A stunningly in-form Kylian Mbappe netted a brace from strike-mate Lionel Messi’s assists to spur an impressive Paris Saint-Germain to overtake from behind to beat Saint-Etienne 3-1 and further extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Denis Bouanga had given the struggling visitors the lead at the Parc des Princes only for Mbappe to equalise just before the half-time interval, and score his brace just after the restart. On top of those magnificent efforts, he then set up Danilo Pereira to head in the Parisians’ third goal for the team to bounce back after their 3-1 away loss at Nantes last weekend. With this win, PSG advanced 16 points clear of Nice and Marseille comfortably enroute to the French title.
In their previous match PSG had been lambasted for being three goals behind at half-time against Nantes and they were again made to pay again for starting slow here, with Gabonese Bouanga feeding off Pereira’s mistake to score past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Parisians eventually cranked up a gear and came to life as Mbappe continued to impress with his stellar recent run of form, with his latest brace now taking his total goal tally this season to 24 goals in all competitions.
Against the vsitors, Mbappe netted the equaliser three minutes before half-time, pouncing on Messi’s excellent pass and firing past Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni.
Messi, in brilliant auto-pilot assist mode, then channeled another snazzy pass for Mbappe to drive home his second goal only two minutes after the restart to put the home side ahead.
The third goal came in the 52nd minute courtesy of Mbappe delivering a superb cross to facilitate a header from Portuguese midfielder Pereira. PSG then came close to adding to their lead on several occasions with Angel Di Maria, on as a substitute, hitting the post direct from a corner, while Neymar and Georginio Wijnaldum also both struck the woodwork in the late stages.
To show their appreciation for their French hero, the fans treated him to a standing ovation late on at the Parc des Princes, with gleeful supporters keeping themselves warm on a frosty night by performing a Mexican wave to spur on their team.
The following weekend’s trip to Nice will not see Mbappe in action, which will then be followed by the second leg of PSG’s Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid in Spain on March 9. With PSG defending the 1-0 advantage secured in the first leg.