MBAPPE SCORES IN THUMPING WIN OVER METZ
PSG’s new signing scores in thumping win over Metz
PARIS: Kylian Mbappe scored on his debut as Paris St Germain eased to a 5-1 away thumping of 10-man Metz in Ligue 1.
Neymar’s pin-point through ball created the opening goal for Edinson Cavani in the 31st minute, only for Emmanuel Riviere to head in an equaliser before half-time.
But the game was all but ended in the space of three second-half minutes, as Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw red for a lunge on Mbappe, before the youngster netted his debut strike.
PSG ran riot late on, with Neymar getting himself onto the scoresheet, Cavani stabbing in his second and Lucas Moura grabbing the fifth.
The victory is PSG’s fifth in a row to start the Ligue 1 season, and takes them three points clear at the top of the fledgling table.
“It’s important for me to have good balance on the pitch,” said PSG coach Unai Emery.
“I think that the good players like to play with good players, and Kylian (Mbappe) made a good start.”
PSG can now turn their attentions to the start of the Champions League group stages tomorrow when they take on Celtic in Glasgow.
Mbappe was handed a starting spot on his debut after joining from Monaco on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
“A win, a goal and a good game, I have everything to make me satisfied,” said Mbappe.
“I always wanted to play with great players, and today I have the opportunity to play with the best in France, and maybe in Europe.
“I’m trying to learn from their moves, from their professionalism.”
“Now we go to Glasgow to win and to make a good start (in Europe). I’ve always said that the Champions League is a special competition.” — Agencies
Elsewhere on Friday, Marcelo Bielsa’s Lille were reduced to 10 men and held to a 0-0 draw at home by unbeaten Bordeaux.