The Paris Saint-Germain talisman Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant goal as Luis Enrique’s side kicked off 2024 by lifting the Trophee des Champions
Kylian Mbappe future may still be in doubt, but he offered another reminder of his value to Paris Saint-Germain with a superb goal as the French giants cruised to a 2-0 win over Toulouse.
The hosts had got off to the best possible start when they scored with less than three minutes on the clock. Vitinha and Ousmane Dembele combined brilliantly to tee up Kang-in Lee to side-foot home the opener.
PSG then seemed to switch off before bursting into life again before the break. This time it was Mbappe’s turn to thrill the Parc des Princes. The striker drove past three Toulouse defenders before smashing home a powerful shot that effectively ended the game as a contest.
Toulouse did have chances to get back in the game after the break but lacked the effectiveness in front of goal to make PSG pay. The hosts went on to lift their first trophy of the campaign but will certainly be hoping it’s not the only silverware they secure this season.
BALLGIST rates PSG’s players from Parc des Princes…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10)
Made a good save in the first half at his near post and another great one-handed effort in stoppage time from a corner to preserve his clean sheet.
Achraf Hakimi (7/10):
Thought he’d doubled PSG’s lead but saw his effort blocked with the goal gaping. Almost scored in the second half as well but his free-kick from outside the area hit the woodwork.
Marquinhos (6/10):
Made an important block to deny Toulouse and could have had a goal himself. Put a poor header wide when well placed and was furious with himself.
Milan Skriniar (5/10):
Caught out by Gabriel Suazo in the first half and will have been relieved to see the ball end up in the side netting. Forced off injured midway through the second half in a far-from-impressive showing.
Lucas Hernandez (5/10):
Almost caught out late on and ended up having to take a booking for diving to grab the ball to prevent an attack.
Midfield
Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):
Neat and tidy with some nice one-touch play for PSG.
Vitinha (7/10):
A gorgeous cross-field pass picked out Dembele to tee up the opening goal. Instrumental in midfield for PSG.
Lee Kang-in (7/10):
Put PSG ahead with a composed finish from Dembele’s cross with less than three minutes on the clock. Had other chances, too, including a spectacular overhead kick that just lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.
Attack
Ousmane Dembele (7/10):
Teed up the opening goal and was a threat all night down the right. Might have scored but his shooting was wayward once again.
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
Seemed to be toying with Toulouse until he doubled PSG’s lead with a brilliant goal just before the break. Took on three players before unleashing a powerful shot that flew past the goalkeeper.
Bradley Barcola (5/10):
Had some nice moments but wasn’t clinical enough. Laid the ball off to Mbappe for the second goal but didn’t offer the same threat as Dembele on the opposite flank.
Subs & manager
Marco Asensio (6/10):
Replaced Dembele on the right and had one chance but couldn’t add to PSG’s lead.
Randal Kolo Muani (5/10):
Came on for Barcola late in the second half but didn’t make much of an impact.
Lucas Beraldo (5/10):
Made his debut after coming on for the injured Skriniar and saw his every touch cheered by the PSG fans.
Luis Enrique (6/10):
Claimed his first trophy as PSG boss and will hope there’s more to come. However, he won’t be impressed by the chances his team gave up against Toulouse, or their continued lapses in concentration.
