A superb Paris topples Milan

It was an occasion reminiscent of a glorious past, a gala affair that exuded the atmosphere of the Champions League... In a Parc des Princes energised by the stakes and enthralled by the game, the Red and Blues were prepared for a game of the highest level. In the stands, the fans set the tone with an incredible tifo reminiscent of yesteryear and Belmondo... On the pitch, Luis Enrique went for a formidable line-up, bringing back all his key players and his 4-3-3 formation for the occasion, with a trio of Manu Ugarte, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Vitinha in midfield to support an attack led by the inevitable Kylian Mbappé alongside Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé.

The tone was quickly set. The tactical battle gave way to an exciting clash of styles. The Parisians tried to take the game under their control, in keeping with their DNA: taking possession of the ball with a high block in the opponent's half to control it, again and again, before swooping in as soon as a gap opened up. On the other side, the Rossoneri had no hesitation in throwing themselves forward in numbers as soon as they got the ball to try and break through our defence. On the edge of their seats, hungry for every ball in the middle of the park, with Leão and Mbappé in front of goal, both teams were looking for the breakthrough that would bring the Parc des Princes to its feet...

But in this particular game, it was the Red and Blues who struck first - and what a beauty it was! It was a goal that epitomised the talent of the capital, with Warren Zaïre-Emery on hand to break the press and accelerate through the middle before feeding Kylian Mbappé, who suspended time, stopped the defenders in their tracks and wrapped his foot around the ball to put it past Mike Maignan at the near post (1-0, 32'). Art made in Paris.

It was the first blow of the opening half. After the break, the Red and Blues thought they had doubled their lead when Ousmane Dembélé fired in a from a marvellous solo counter-attack, but the world champion's goal was disallowed for a foul (47'). It was frustrating, but far from discouraging for the Parisians. Because Ousmane made up for it in the following move. Cleverly played in by his friend Kylian, the striker unleashed a sudden shot that Mike Maignan could only parry into the path of another Blue, Randal Kolo Muani, to make it 2-0 (2-0, 53'). It was a fitting reward for the Parisians, who were determined to get the job done.

Naturally, the pressure increased at the back, as the Rossoneri, with their backs against the wall, had no option but to throw everything they had into the game. It came as no surprise, then, that Luis Enrique's men experienced some difficult moments at the other end of the pitch. But there was always a foot, a leg, a header , a hard tackle to ward off the danger and Gigio's gloves to keep them at bay. With a crowd like that, the Red and Blues could feel themselves growing stronger in resistance. A final flash of brilliance when Kylian Mbappé's shot was miraculously saved by Maignan was not the final piece of action. The final goal came from Kang-in Lee, who was sent on by the coach and took advantage of some exceptional work from Warren Zaire-Emery to score his first goal for Paris Saint-Germain (3-0, 88').

Admirable in their courage and commitment, the Parisians picked up their second win of this European campaign, confirming their dominance at the Parc des Princes. It's an excellent result that puts the capital club back at the top of Group F ahead of the second round at Milan's San Siro. Mission accomplished.