Paris put on a show

Three days after the faultless performance against Linas-Monthlery in the Coupe de France (6-0) and in the presence of Les Essonniens at the invitation of the President, Paris were back in action in the Coupe de la Ligue for the team's second match of 2020. Mission accomplished as Thomas Tuchel's side went to town and punished Claude Puel's Les Verts (6-1).

Les Parisiens didn't take long to impose their rhythm on the game. After an early run from Kylian Mbappé, Thomas Meunier played a perfect ball into Mauro Icardi, whose strike found the back of the net and secured the opener (1-0, 2'). The 15th goal of the season in all competitions for the Argentinian striker.

Les Rouge et Bleus were patient in their build-up play and were able to hold onto the ball and continue to look for a second. A smart team move started off by Neymar Jr saw Juan Bernat pull his shot a fraction too much (18'). Sergio Rico was then called into action for the first time by Wahbi Khazri from distance (19'), before boxing away Trauco's superb long-range shot (21'). Agressive and audacious, despite the numerous chances for the home side, Claude Puel's men fought well in the first half, before going down to ten men when Wesley Fofana picked up a second yellow card for a foul as Angel Di Maria countered quickly (31').

With a numerical disadvantage, Les Verts were then bombarded by attack after attack from the side from the capital. The highly impressive Angel Di Maria put his left foot to good use and found Neymar Jr in deep. The Brazilian smartly found the back of the net and the home side had doubled their lead (2-0, 39') - a just reward for the Brazilian's efforts. Les Rouge et Bleu had all but put the game to bed just before half-time, when Jessy Moulin scored an own goal following link-up play between Kylian Mbappé and Angel Di Maria on the left (3-0, 44').

After the break, Thomas Tuchel's side kept their foot on the pedal. Mauro Icardi made the most of some excellent work from Kylian Mbappé to score from close-range and make it four for Paris (4-0, 49'). From an inch-perfect ball from Neymar Jr between the lines for Bernat, to a run through the middle by the Brazilian, Paris never let the visitors breathe. Kylian Mbappé found Mauro Icardi with a sublime pass and allowed the Argentine his first hat-trick at the club (5-0, 57') and his 17th goal in all competitions this season.

The two were unplayable and they added the cherry on top of the cake with this time, Mauro Icardi turning his hand to provider and perfectly finding Kylian Mbappé (6-0, 67'). Les Verts scored a consolation goal from a penalty that was initially stopped by Sergio Rico, but then scored at the second time of asking by Yohan Cabaye (6-1, 71'). Les Parisiens kept going and were driven on by an incredible Kylian Mbappé, who showed excellent skill with Neymar (48'), and had even got another assist for Edinson Cavani, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. 

Paris therefore secured another victory in the best possible manner and continue their excellent run with their eighth consecutive victory in all competitions, scoring 34 goals and only conceding four over the same period. Perhaps the best possible preparation for the double header that awaits the club against AS Monaco (Sunday 12 and Wednesday 15 January).