Kylian Mbappé scored two deadly first-half goals as Paris Saint-Germain secured PSG’s latest bid for Champions League success with a 2-1 win over Juventus at the Parc des Princes. Kylian Mbappe has scored nine goals in six games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, and eight goals in his last seven Champions League matches. Paris Saint-Germain, however, doubled their lead in the 22nd minute, with Kylian Mbappe finishing straight from the box after a fast one-two with Ashraf Hakimi. Juventus failed to secure a draw as Paris Saint-Germain secured the first three points in Group H. Juventus played well but failed to stop the Parisians from winning their first European Cup game of the new season.
Kylian Mbappé played the main tormentor as Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 home win over Juventus on Tuesday, their first win over an Italian side. At first sight, PSG appears to be a brand-new Ferrari. However, when the shiny chassis and glossy paint are removed, significant engineering defects can block their Champions League strike. Again. The most expensively put together front-three in history was virtually unstoppable at points against Juventus, as Mbappe’s quick-fire brace, backed by Neymar, displayed the unique, dazzling side of the French club. However, they never seemed entirely at ease defensively as Juan Cuadrado and Filip Kostic caused havoc with their precise passes into the box. Their mental approach appeared to crumble after Weston McKennie sliced into their advantage, frighteningly evoking what unfolded against Real Madrid in March. To demonstrate that the persistent issues that have hindered the club from winning the title can be solved, new manager Christophe Galtier still has work to do.
Mbappé, who is 23 years and 260 days old, became the youngest player in Europe’s major club tournament to score 35 goals, surpassing colleague Lionel Messi, who was 47 days older at the time. After American player Weston McKennie equalised, Juventus enjoyed a terrific 10-minute spell in the second half, ensuring a tense finish. PSG’s defence was jittery near the finish but held firm. Galtier, who is making his PSG debut in Europe’s top club tournament, feels the squad will develop due to having to battle tooth and nail as Juve, whom the Parisians had never beaten in eight previous meetings, pressed for an equaliser. “We had significant moments in the first half and grabbed a well-deserved two-goal lead, and even though they had an opportunity, I was extremely pleased with the team’s effort,” Galtier said during a press conference. Juve seemed to be on the verge of collapse, but Mbappe failed to square the ball over to the unmarked Neymar early in the second half, and the visitors quickly halved the deficit.
