Nantes 0-2 PSG – Kylian Mbappe comes off bench to score penalty as PSG ease past Nantes

Kylian Mbappe was on target as Paris Saint-Germain moved 14 points clear at the Ligue 1 summit with a 2-0 win over Nantes.

PSG’s talisman, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, climbed off the bench to seal the points from the penalty spot after Lucas Hernandez’s deflected strike broke the deadlock.

Luis Enrique’s side dominated proceedings at Stade de la Beaujoire, but it was not until the hour mark that they breached their stubborn opponents, who saw Nicolas Pallois’ first-half volley ruled out for offside.

Although, it came with a huge slice of good fortune as Hernandez’s fierce 20-yard strike took a huge deflection off Moussa Sissoko before nestling in Remy Descamps’ bottom-left corner.

The visitors wrapped up the points 12 minutes from time when Mbappe, who was fouled by Douglas in the box, picked himself up to confidently sweep past Descamps from 12 yards out.

At the end of the week in which it was announced he would leave PSG this summer, Mbappe watched the first hour of this contest from the bench.

However, the forward soon made his mark upon being introduced.

Indeed, he was brought down for the penalty, which he subsequently converted for his 21st league goal of the season.

Though his future may be elsewhere, Mbappe demonstrated he is still fully dedicated to PSG’s cause and is eager to bow out with a bang.

Although he was on the losing side, Pallois deserves plenty of plaudits for an outstanding performance in the heart of Nantes’ defence.

Now in his 37th year, the centre-half played a crucial role in largely keeping PSG at bay with a game-high 10 clearances and two blocks, while winning all three of the duels he contested.

Pallois also went mightily close to breaking the deadlock with a memorable strike, with Donnarumma forced to tip over his dipping 35-yard attempt.

Nantes: Descamps 7, Castelleto 6, Pallois 9*, Zeze 6, Cozza 7, Coco 7, Douglas 7, Chirivella 6, Kadewere 6, Sissoko 6, Mohamed 6. Subs: Traore 6, Simon 5, Abline N/A, Moutoussamy 5.

PSG: Donnarumma 7, Emery 8, Marquinhos 8, Danilo 7, Hernandez 8, Lee 7, Ugarte 6, Vitinha 6, Asensio 5, Kolo Muani 6, Barcola 5. Subs: Ramos 6, Dembele 7, Mbappe 8, Hakimi 6, Beraldo 5.

45+2′ – WHAT A BLOCK: Danilo fails to deal with Coco’s cross and Mohamed looks to capitalise. The latter’s shot is diverted away by Donnarumma’s feet, but straight into the path of Cozza. However, Marquinhos makes a fantastic block to thwart him.

45+3′ – NO GOAL: Nantes think they have taken the lead as Pallois volleys home at the far post. Although, the brief joy for the hosts is cut short by the offside flag. The hosts are unhappy with that decision, but it was the correct one.

54′ – WHAT AN EFFORT: Pallois, who has been superb so far, sees headlines as he tries his luck from a good 35 yards out. The centre-half’s ambitious volley is dipping dangerously and Donnarumma is forced to tip the ball over the bar.

60′ – GOAL!!! NANTES 0-1 PSG (HERNANDEZ): The deadlock is broken, albeit in fortuitous circumstances. Hernandez takes aim from 25 yards and his fierce effort takes a huge deflection off Sissoko, which sends the ball looping well beyond the dive of Descamps. The Nantes goalkeeper can only wave the ball into his bottom-right corner.

78′ – GOAL!!! NANTES 0-2 PSG (MBAPPE): No mistake from Mbappe! PSG’s talisman steps up to the penalty spot and calmly sweeps the ball into Descamps’ bottom-left corner.

80′ – CLOSE: Nantes look to respond and Donnarumma does brilliantly to divert Chirivella’s shot onto the post with his trailing foot. The ball breaks kindly for Moutoussamy, whose subsequent shot is blocked by Emery.

PSG are now unbeaten in 18 Ligue 1 matches away from home, equalling their club-record streak.

Nantes have lost four successive home games in Ligue 1 for the first time in their history.