Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick, his sixth in L1 with PSG, on Saturday in Reims. FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP
New leaders of L1, the Parisians won in Reims (0-3) this Saturday, during the 12th day, with a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappé and several exploits from Gigio Donnarumma.
And one, and two, and three zeros. PSG defeated Reims 3-0 on Saturday, during the 12th day of Ligue 1. A score which does not tell the whole story of this meeting, as this valiant team from Reims shook the new leader in the championship standings . If Paris won, it was largely thanks to the exploits of its goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the hat-trick of a certain Kylian Mbappé (3rd, 59th and 82nd), the latter having demonstrated clinical realism …even if Luis Enrique expected even more from him.
In football, a great goalkeeper and a great scorer very often make the difference. PSG proved it at the Auguste-Delaune stadium. This clash between the 4th and 2nd in Ligue 1 at kick-off kept all its promises from the start. Served at the back post by Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, more than ever the top scorer in the elite (13 goals ), opened the scoring with a magnificent volley from the inside of the foot (0-1, 2nd). A goal reminiscent of the one he scored in the World Cup final in Qatar. Enough to curb the enthusiasm of Reims? No, quite the contrary. With its all-terrain pressing and a very high block, Stade de Reims then stifled PSG, under the leadership of the tireless Junya Ito. The Japanese thought he would equalize but his passer Mohamed Daramy was offside at the start (8th). Will Still’s men continued to push while Paris quickly projected ahead to find Mbappé, closely watched by Emmanuel Agbadou.
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The Donnarumma wall, Mbappé clinic
The Red and Whites multiplied the runs and crosses but came up against a vigilant Marquinhos and a Gianluigi Donnarumma of very big evenings on his line. The Italian goalkeeper made three saves before the break, including one at close range in front of Amir Richardson, to save the Parisian house (22nd, 40th, 44th). And on his only mistake of the first period, a dangerous throw towards Fabian Ruiz, Azor Matuisiwa did not put his shot on target (30th). Reims could blame themselves as their pressure and game plan hampered the French champion, who folded without ever breaking (0-1 MT).
Sensing the danger, Luis Enrique rebalanced his eleven at half-time. Vitinha replaced the discreet Gonçalo Ramos to contain the locals’ attacks. In fact, it was Kang-in Lee who switched to the false 9 position, just to gain possession of the ball. The last rampart Donnarumma again repelled a header from Agbadou (56th) before the break goal signed by Mbappé, served on a plate by Carlos Soler (0-2, 59th), the latter playing in a role… at fullback right, in place of Achraf Hakimi, suspended. A true-false right back obviously, often playing in the middle. PSG was breathing better but remained at the mercy of Reims’ speed. His goalkeeper continued his festival, disgusting Marshall Munetsi twice (71st, 77th). The former Milanese was impassable but PSG still had more control in this second act. And Mbappé ended the suspense in the last ten minutes by scoring a hat-trick (0-3, 82nd), his first of the season, on a serve from the incoming Bradley Barcola. Never satisfied, the captain of the Blues could even have increased the score but Joseph Okumu (84th) then the crossbar (86th) opposed it (0-3 final score).
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Two UFOs
Out of breath, Reims avoided a more severe correction which would have been difficult given the face displayed for 90 minutes. Authors of a successful match collectively, the Champenois simply came across two UFOs, at both ends of the field. Paris turned its back before disgusting its opponent. A victory which allows the capital club to spend the international break warm, at the top of Ligue 1. Defeated with arms in hand, Reims remains 4th, behind Nice (2nd) and Monaco (4th), but could slip to fifth place if Lille wins against Toulouse this Sunday.