Source: MARCA
Saturday 3 February 2024 11:52:42
Kylian Mbappe scored one and set up another as Paris Saint-Germain moved nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win over Strasbourg.
The Frenchman's future has dominated the headlines in recent weeks as Real Madrid wait for his decision on his future, but there could be no doubt about his commitment on the pitch.
PSG could've gone behind inside the first minute, only for young forward Moise Sahi to somehow fail to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from three yards out.
And it didn't take long for the visitors to punish Strasbourg. Randal Kolo Muani embarked on a driving run into the box before he was uphended by Lucas Perrin, and the referee pointed to the spot without any hesitation. However, the replay showed there was only minimal contact if any.
The decision stood, though, and Mbappe stepped up to take the penalty, but the Frenchman was stunned to see his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch, who was only drafted into the squad after goalkeeper Matz Sels was sold on deadline day.
With chances at both ends, it proved to be a frustrating half for Luis Enrique's side until Bellaarouch paid the price for a calamitous error.
With the ball at his feet and far from his goal, the 22-year-old was closed down by Marco Asensio and the ball fell kindly to Mbappe, who exacted his revenge as passed into an open net to hand PSG the lead.
Kolo Muani then had a chance to double the advantage after leading a quick break on the counterattack, but the France international dragged his effort wide. At the other end, Habib Diarra hit the crossbar as Strasbourg tried to respond.
In the second half, PSG needed only four minutes to get their second of the night after Mbappe's pass found Asensio, who coolly found the bottom corner.
But the Ligue 1 leaders became complacent and conceded when Angelo Gabriel's cross found Dilane Bakwa at the far post, who volleyed past Donnarumma. They nearly equalized a minute later but Junior Mwanga and Emanuel Emegha both failed to beat the Italian stopper.
Despite some nervy moments at the back, PSG held off a late surge from the hosts to seal a win - and they will be hoping Mbappe sticks around for the long-term after notching his 20th Ligue 1 goal of the season.