Paris take all three points against Strasbourg

It was at an unusual time in the wind of the capital, and in a unique match situated between the international break and the anticipated return of the Champions League that Luis Enrique and his side were back in league action. Up against them, they faced a Strasbourg side determined to spoil Les Parisiens' return to the Parc des Princes. On paper, there was nothing to suggest that this match would be easy. Nevertheless, the Spanish coach had one goal in mind: reclaim the top spot! To achieve this, the manager showed audacity, crafting an entirely unprecedented starting eleven with an ultra-attacking team led by Gonzalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola, Kang-in Lee, Carlos Soler, and the returning Kylian Mbappé, who was brimming with energy after his international duties.

Remaining faithful to our principles, attacking as a united front, and demonstrating patience to pin down Strasbourg: our Parisiens team displayed their ambitions right from the start of the match, wasting no time in pressing their opponents. As expected, our attacking armada was going to have to find its way past a defensive wall in order to take all three points...

And it was young Bradley Barcola who ignited the first sparks of the encounter! Bursting down the left wing like a high-speed train to combine with Kylian Mbappé, the Under-21 international created chaos before Gonçalo Ramos earned a penalty after controlling perfectly! And who better than a hungry Kylian to convert it? The top scorer in Ligue 1 didn't hesitate, opening the score with authority (1-0, 10').

However, the Alsacians were determined to be the party poopers, and they wasted no time in responding, as evidenced by a goal that was eventually ruled offside for Mothiba (13'). Although their attempt was thwarted, it gave energy to the visitors, who fought hard to try to find the equaliser. Yet, with Kylian Mbappé in such electrifying form, our Rouge et Bleu had an irresistible asset! After an exceptional burst of speed where the world champion left his counterpart completely bewildered, Carlos Soler, found by the goalscorer, doubled the lead from close range (2-0, 31').

On paper, the hardest part had been accomplished: a two-goal lead, a commanding 77% possession at half-time, and an insatiable desire to keep pushing on the accelerator. And on the pitch, this was quickly evident with new opportunities for the hosts after the break. Kylian Mbappé didn't hold back in disorienting the Alsacians with his explosive runs and bewildering dribbles through the defence. However, it was the Spanish connection that eventually added to the tally! After a brilliant pass from Carlos Soler, Fabian Ruiz beat his defender with a superb piece of skill before finishing into the back of the net with the outside of his foot (3-0, 77'). A work of art!

Technical finesse, control, and collective intelligence were all on display to offer a beautiful show at the Parc des Princes on this rainy afternoon in the capital. After a successful performance, masterminded by an innovative starting eleven, our Parisiens did their job to take all three points as they returned to Ligue 1 action, and now provisionally take the lead in the league. An ideal reunion before immersing themselves in the most beautiful of competitions, with the upcoming match against Milan's Rossoneri, which promises a real footballing feast...