Stats & Facts: A closer look at the win against Montpellier

a night of firsts

The Parisians were back home for the first time this season, after Japan, Tel Aviv and Clermont, and now, finally, Paris. The Rouge et Bleu enjoyed their first outing at the Parc des Princes, scoring five goals, just as they did on the first matchday at Gabriel Montpied. Paris are the first team to score five twice in the first two matches since Reims in 1961-1962, a long time ago.

It was a great first home game for Christophe Galtier, who was coaching his first game at the Parc des Princes. Vitinha also took to the pitch for the first time in his career, while Renato Sanches, Hugo Ekitiké and Nordi Mukiele were once more with the rouge et bleu shirt on their shoulders, in an outstanding atmosphere.

Speedy Gonzales & THE UNSTOPPABLES

As many historical references as there was magic on the pitch. Neymar Jr is in blistering form, having been involved in 6 goals (3 goals, 3 assists) in 2 games. He is the first player to achieve such a feat, now overtaking Lacazette and his 5 goal contributions in two match days in 2016-2017.

Ney could have scored a hat-trick, with a wonderful goal had VAR not intervened (quite rightly) to penalise Kimpembe for being offside at the start of the action. Messi's pass to the Brazilian for that chance was glorious, a move that deserved better, but it symbolises the excitement and pleasure the Parisians take in playing together.

Speedy Gonzales, the spelling mistake is deliberate, and you will understand why. Renato Sanches went all out for his very first appearance with Paris Saint-Germain. Just one minute and 33 seconds into his debut, he found the back of the net from a Nuno Mendes cross. His thumping effort beat Omlin to become the second fastest player to score after coming on, behind Jay-Jay Okocha (1m07secs) against Bordeaux in 1998. He is now ahead of Christophe Landrin and his three minute goal against Metz in 2005, three minutes that are like light years.

attacking and incisive

A fiery attack and an attacking feast. But more than just the goals, it is the incessant will of the Parisians to go forward. Paris had 54 touches in the opposition box on Saturday night, a total that the club had not reached in a Ligue 1 match last season.

Paris conceded their first two goals of the season, having been impenetrable in the first two games of the season. The Rouge et Bleu have scored at least two goals in each of their last ten encounters against MHSC in the top flight, equalling their longest streak of games with at least two goals scored against the same opponent in Ligue 1 (against Caen on two occasions and against Nantes).

Finally, Mbappé, who scored his first goal of the season, reached the 20-goal mark in Ligue 1 in the same calendar year for the 4th time, after 2021 (24 in total), 2019 (31) and 2017 (20). The only time he had reached this total earlier was in 2019 (on 24 May). A good sign!