Mbappe scores and sees red as PSG beat Nimes
paris — Kylian Mbappe scored the decisive goal but was later sent off as Paris Saint-Germain survived a major scare, and the concession of a VAR-awarded penalty, to win 4-2 at Nimes on Saturday.
Neymar and Angel di Maria, the latter direct from a corner, had PSG two goals up at the Stade des Costieres, only for their newlypromoted opponents to haul themselves back level heading into the final 20 minutes.
But Mbappe struck in the 77th minute, his fourth goal in three appearances since winning the World Cup with France, to break Nimes hearts before Edinson Cavani completed the scoring in injury time.
However, there was still time for Mbappe to be sent off right at the death following a clash with Teji Savanier, who also saw red, in a remarkable finish to the game.
PSG have now won all four Ligue 1 games this season under their new German coach Thomas Tuchel. They are three points clear of surprise package Dijon, who can join them at the summit if they beat Caen later.
Earlier, Mario Balotelli helped coach Patrick Vieira to his first success in the French league as Nice won at Lyon 1-0.
Although Balotelli did not score the Italy striker was a constant threat having missed the first three games of the season through suspension. Nice did not win any of those, picking up only a draw as Vieira — a dominant midfielder with Arsenal, Juventus and France during his playing career — got off to a difficult start.
Vieira was also indebted to recalled goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who made a several fine saves after winger Allan Saint-Maximin gave Nice a 51st-minute lead with a deflected strike inside the left of the penalty area.
Moments earlier, Saint-Maximin hit the crossbar after latching onto a brilliant first-time pass from Balotelli near the halfway line and sprinting through.
Balotelli turned down a summer move to Marseille, and credited Vieira with persuading him to stay. Balotelli worked hard but picked up a yellow card near the end of the first half, arguing with the referee over the distance of Nice’s defensive wall on a Lyon free kick.
Television cameras caught Balotelli ranting in the tunnel coming out for the second half, using an expletive as he vented frustration talking to teammate Dante. —