PSG 4-2 Nantes: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on target as hosts triumph in six-goal Ligue 1 clash

Paris Saint-Germain beat Nantes 4-2 with both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on target as they went 11 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table.

The hosts didn’t have to wait long, taking the lead after just 12 minutes. Nuno Mendes did well to dig out a cross on the left-hand side which bobbled up into the path of Lionel Messi who rifled it home – taking his scoring run to five consecutive Ligue 1 matches.

PSG didn’t have to wait long for a second and Mendes was once again involved. The Portuguese full-back thumped an effort on goal which Alban Lafont could only divert into the path of Jaouen Hadjam who, under pressure from Nordi Mukiele, could only turn the ball into his own goal.

On the half hour mark, Nantes pulled one back completely against the run of play. Ludovic Blas found space on the left in a crossing position. He then spotted Gianluigi Donnarumma off his line and elected to thump an effort goalwards, which crept in at the near post. An intelligent finish which gave Nantes a glimmer of hope against a dominant PSG.

Seven minutes later, the visitors had an equaliser. Florent Mollet’s corner was flicked on at the front post by Ignatius Ganago and it evaded the PSG defenders and found its way into the back of the net.

Paris emerged for the second half with the same intensity and vigour that they started the first half with and subsequently went back ahead on the hour mark. Kylian Mbappe’s cross found the head of Danilo Pereira who made no mistake in thumping his effort past Lafont.

In the dying moments of the match Kylian Mbappe made sure of the victory with a goal that will go down in Paris Saint-Germain history. The Frenchman received the ball in the area before rifling it home past Lafont to become PSG’s all-time record goalscorer with 201. A spectacular achievement for a truly special player.

TALKING POINT – RECORD BREAKER

It looked at times tonight that Kylian Mbappe would have to wait a little longer for his special moment. He saw an effort blocked, one go wide of the target and he even had the ball in his hands as he waited to take a penalty – a penalty which was subsequently ruled out by VAR and Mbappe’s wait for goalscoring glory went on. Then in stoppage time the moment arrived. Mbappe swivelled and thumped home his effort, Parc des Princes erupted and Mbappe wheeled away in celebration with an expression of pure elation, pure ecstasy, pure joy. The club were certainly prepared, with a fire display appearing behind the goals and an image of Mbappe with the number 201 appearing on the big screen. The supporters shared this historic moment with the French superstar, chanting his name and responding to Mbappe’s crowd-controlling gestures, both player and audience connected in joy. 201 goals for Paris Saint-Germain at the tender age of 24. Incredible.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – LIONEL MESSI (PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN)

The diminutive genius was at the heart of most of what PSG did well. He was constantly involved, dropping deep to pick the ball up and driving his team up the pitch. He made smart passes to set team mates away in dangerous areas, completed 8 dribbles, won his fair share of duels and scored the opening goal of the game. As he usually he is, a joy to watch.

PLAYER RATINGS

Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma 6, Danilo 8, Ramos 7, Marquinhos 7, Mukiele 7, Vitinha 7, Zaire-Emery 7, Fabian 7, Mendes 8, Messi 9, Mbappe 8 Substitutions: Pembele 7, Bitshiabu 6, Soler 6

FC Nantes: Lafont 7, Hadjam 5, Pallois 6, Girotto 6, Castelletto 6, Centonze 6, Mollet 7, Sissoko 6, Moutoussamy 6, Ganago 7, Blas 7 Substitutions: Victor 6, Cuco 6, Simon 6, Mohamed 6, Guessand 6

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

12′ GOAL – PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – It has been coming since the first whistle! Lionel Messi has put PSG ahead. Nuno Mendes fired in a cross which took a deflection to loop the ball up and Messi arrived to slam it home first time!

17′ GOAL – PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – PSG have a second just minutes after the first! Nuno Mendes fired an effort on goal which Alban Lafont could only divert back into play and Nodi Mukiele was on hand to put pressure on Jaouen Hadjam who turned the ball into his own net.

31′ GOAL – FC NANTES – Something from nothing to give Nantes hope! Ludovic Blas finds a yard on the left and fires a shot in from a crossing position which completely catches Donnarrumma out! A really intelligent bit of play from Blas.

38′ GOAL – FC NANTES – Absolutely incredible! Nantes have made it 2-2! Mollet’s corner is flicked on by Ganago into the back of the net! Castelletto got a touch to make sure but it had already crossed the line. PSG were 2-0 up and in complete control but in the matter of seven minutes it is 2-2!

60′ GOAL – PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – Danilo Pereira fires PSG back ahead! The Portugual international rises highest to head home Mbappe’s cross.

94′ GOAL – PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – He has done it! Kylian Mbappe scores and is now Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time top goalscorer with 201 goals! He received the ball in the box before thumping it past Lafont.

KEY STAT

With 201 goals, Kylian Mbappe moves one clear of Edinson Cavani to become PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer.