The Parisians are unstoppable in the first home game of the season

One week after a perfect start in Clermont, the French champions were back in their home ground for the visit of Montpellier. The match was played out in a packed Parc des Princes, with an exceptional atmosphere on a mild summer evening. Christophe Galtier sent out his eleven in a 3-4-1-2, with the return of Kylian Mbappé, lined up alongside Leo Messi and Neymar Jr in the attack.

Against courageous opponents, the Parisians attempted to break through the opposing backline with the same tactics as usual : offensive football with defence-splitting passes, and a very fast recovery of the ball. The objective was clear: to wear down the opposing team's block and take advantage of any gaps that opened up.

After a feeling out period, Christophe Galtier's men started to turn up the heat with a number of chances. However, they were up against a big obstacle in Jonas Omlin. The Montpellier goalkeeper was busy on his line, saving first against Neymar Jr (17'), then a Kylian Mbappé penalty obtained by Nuno Mendes (23'), before another spectacular save from a free-kick curled by Leo Messi (26').

After another warning from Messi (29'), the Parisians finally made the breakthrough during a very strong spell of the game. Kylian Mbappé's snap shot was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Falaye Sacko, who scored an own goal (1-0, 39').

Immediately after the opener, Sacko was penalised for a handball after a challenge with Leo Messi, leading to a penalty converted by Neymar Jr just before the break (2-0, 43'). Gradual build-up play, an uncompromising defence and a comfortable lead: the Parisians were finding their rhythm.

Coming out from the break with the same hunger, the attacks on the visiting defence were varied. From the devastating accelerations of Kylian Mbappé, to the through-balls of Neymar Jr or Marco Verratti, via the overlaps of Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi. Neymar Jr soon got his double, with a brilliant diving header from close range (3-0, 51'). Montpellier did not give up and pulled one back through Wahbi Khazri at the other end (3-1, 58').

But who better than a certain Kylian Mbappé to restore the Parisians' advantage? With a clever volley from a corner, the number 7 scored the fourth goal for Paris (4-1, 69'). The first goal of the 2022-2023 season for the man who is only 28 goals short of becoming the club's all-time top scorer... And there was more to come. After a splendid goal by Neymar Jr was disallowed (85'), it was the substitute Renato Sanches, for one of his first touches in the red and blue shirt, who closed the scoring after getting in front of the defender at the near post (5-1, 87'). It was an excellent debut for the Portuguese player, who was embraced by his team-mates after the goal. Tchato reduced the score just before the final whistle (5-2, 90'+2).

As serious and committed as ever, our Parisians delivered another very accomplished performance to seal their 2nd win in Ligue 1 - the 3rd in all competitions combined with the Trophée des Champions. A stellar start to the season for our Red and Blue in 2022-23.