Kylian late show wins it for Paris!
Paris Saint-Germain claimed a last-gasp victory over Strasbourg in their final outing of 2022 at the Parc des Princes, courtesy of Kylian Mbappé's 96th-minute penalty and remain unbeaten this season in Ligue 1!
Paris Saint-Germain stadium was packed to the rafters on this cold winter's evening as Ligue 1 returned to the French capital. What better way to close out the year than Paris Saint-Germain vs Strasbourg in the festive season? Perhaps, by announcing Marco Verratti’s contract extension just before kick-off!
On the pitch, Christophe Galtier started with a new-look XI, with El Chadaille Bitshiabu starting in defence and the World Cup heroes back on the pitch just 10 days after his World Cup final – starting with Kylian Mbappé!
Paris’ No.7 was the World Cup’s Golden Boot, but also the top scorer in the Champions League and Ligue 1 and most observers thought he would be the one to watch early in this contest. But it was a defender who first caught the eye! From a perfect free-kick from his compatriot Neymar Jr, Marquinhos headered home and Parc rose as one to celebrate (1-0, 14’)!
With Gianluigi Donnarumma's spectacular save from close range (29’), the decisive interventions of young El Chadaille Bitshiabu, the magnificent Marco Verratti directing traffic, Neymar Jr’s accelerations and the constant threat of Kylian Mbappé, the Parisians were setting the right tone early! Unfortunately, the half-time gave a second wind to Strasbourg, which they were able to translate into a goal at the beginning of the second half with a deflected cross deceiving everyone (1-1, 51’).
Christophe Galtier’s side went back on the attack and the tension rose between the two teams. The match was in the balance when Paris where dealt another blow as Neymar Jr was sent off for after receiving two yellow cards (62’). With their backs to the wall, the champions gave everything, as coach Galtier injected fresh legs in the form of Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Achraf Hakimi. Les Rouge et Bleu would get their reward.
After one last charge into the box, Mbappé was fouled in the box as Marquinhos turned home the rebound, only to see the referee had pointed to the spot for a penalty for Paris. France’s valiant World Cup hero kept his cool once more from 12 yards to slot home the winner and deliver the ideal Christmas gift to the fans (2-1, 90+5’).
It was a stirring, last-minute triumph that preserves the capital club’s unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season as the curtain comes down on a memorable 2022. Next up: 1 January, 2023, and a top of the table clash away to Lens...