Paris Saint Germain returned to the top of Ligue 1 against Nantes ahead of their first Champions League tie against Juventus. Whilst the home side pressed well in the early stages of the game – Mbappé struck in a devastating counter attack to open the scoring for the Parisian side. A high studded tackle on Vitinha (which ended the midfielder’s game) saw a red card for Nantes’ Fábio in the 23rd minute. After this, it almost felt PSG were destined to go on to score more, with Lionel Messi impressing in a game that showcased his undoubted freak-like talent. A brace for Mbappé and a first goal for Nuno Mendes capped-off what was an overly positive showing for PSG before their Champions League tie against Juventus next week.
FC NANTES – 0
Lafont, 6
Appiah, 7 – Great threat down the right-hand side in the first half but was limited in attack as Nantes went down to ten men. Despite this, his defensive duties stepped up during the second half and tackled brilliantly to stop what was certainly a Messi goal as the Argentine was played through on goal.
Castelletto, 6
Girotto, 7
Pallois, 6
Fábio, 3
Moutoussamy, 6
Chririvella, 6
Blas, 6 – Quiet first half, but grew into the second – was pushing down that left hand side against a resolute PSG defence and tested Donnarumma on occasion but ultimately it was too little to change the game.
Guessand, 7 – Effectve down the left hand side, combining well with Appiah and drove well into spaces as an outlet for Nantes, link-up play to forwards was impressive but faded in the second half as Nantes exhausted themselves down to ten men.
Mohamed, 6
Others: Ganago 6, Corchia 5, Doucet 5, Coco, 6
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – 3
Donnarumma, 6
Hakimi, 7
Kimpembe, 7
Marquinhos, 7
Danilo, 6
Bernat, 5
Verratti, 6
Vitinha, 7 – Really good at setting the tempo of PSG’s attacks and was the midfield’s bright start in the opening – a shame he came off injured in the first half.
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Messi, 8 – Intelligent performance with two assists to his name, his trademark driving runs were ever present with a link-up play with Mbappé that changed the game for PSG. He equally provided well when Neymar entered the pitch, linking up arguably better with the Brazilian in a bright second half as PSG.
Sarabia, 7
Mbappé, 8 – Great curled finish for the first goal, and he was quick off the mark to place in Messi’s low cross for his second – acted in the poacher role this game very effectively. 4 shots on target and 2 goals makes a good evenings’ work for the Frenchman.
Others:
Renato Sanches, 8 – After coming on for Vitinha in the second half he looked comfortable and confident in PSG’s midfield, linking up play to the Parisian attackers and retaining the ball well alongside a consistent Verratti.
Nuno Mendes, 7
Neymar 7, – Was really bright when he came on and linked up well with Messi in the latter stages of the second half – it was a seemless substitution from Galtier
Ekitike, 6