Kylian Mbappe became Paris Saint-Germain’s outright record goalscorer to seal a 4-2 win over Nantes and put the champions 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
Lionel Messi put PSG in front with his 18th goal of the season and they looked set for a comfortable evening when a Jaouen Hadjam own goal doubled their advantage only 17 minutes in.
Nantes had other ideas, Ludovic Blas giving them a lifeline by catching Gianluigi Donnarumma out at his near post and Ignatius Ganago heading them level in an action-packed first half at Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Danilo Pereira restored PSG’s lead with a second-half header and Mbappe made history with his 201st goal for the club in the closing stages, surpassing Edinson Cavani’s tally.
Paris Saint-Germain player ratings (3-5-2)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma – 2/10 – Inspired no confidence whatsoever. Almost singlehandedly opened the door for a Nantes comeback.
CB: Danilo Pereira – 8/10 – Largely untroubled and scored a vital goal for his side.
CB: Sergio Ramos – 7/10 – Stepped into midfield with ease and played the game at his own pace.
CB: Marquinhos – 6/10 – Swept up whatever danger PSG found themselves in.
RM: Nordi Mukiele – 6/10 – A chaotic presence at both ends of the pitch. This approach yielded PSG’s second goal, at least.
CM: Fabian Ruiz – 7/10 – Played with a real assurance and maturity that hasn’t always been present in his debut season in Paris.
CM: Vitinha – 6/10 – A little unsure of himself at times. Found it harder playing as the deepest of PSG’s midfielders.
CM: Warren Zaire-Emery – 7/10 – Ah, the exuberance of youth. The 16-year-old was fearless on both sides of the ball and led by example.
LM: Nuno Mendes – 7/10 – Provided great width. Messi is always able to play that trademark pass the way he used to do with Jordi Alba.
CF: Lionel Messi – 9/10 – A surprisingly dogged display from the little magician, forcing his way into challenges high up the pitch and proving a difference maker on the ball as per.
CF: Kylian Mbappe – 8/10 – Caused all sorts of problems and eventually found his record-breaking goal.
Substitutes
Carlos Soler (71′ for Mukiele) – 6/10
El Chadaille Bitshiabu (76′ for Marquinhos) – N/A
Timothee Pembelee (87′ for Zaire-Emery) – N/A
Manager
Christophe Galtier – 7/10 – PSG were largely fine. It’s not really Galtier’s fault that Donnarumma had a mare.
