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Guingamp 1 Paris Saint-Germain 3: Mbappe returns to inspire comeback

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 18 Aug 2018

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Kylian Mbappe saved the day for Paris Saint-Germain with two late goals as the Ligue 1 champions came from behind to clinch a 3-1 victory over Guingamp.

Following a dismal first-half showing from his side, Thomas Tuchel turned to World Cup winner Mbappe at the interval, and the teenager’s introduction paid dividends when he combined with Neymar, who drew a clumsy foul in the area from Jordan Ikoko.

Neymar was far from at his best, but duly netted his second Ligue 1 goal in as many games to cancel out Nolan Roux’s opener, with Guingamp having been unlucky to have a second disallowed prior to the interval.

But despite a resilient Guingamp rearguard, Mbappe would have the final say when he twice tucked home in the final eight minutes to keep maintain PSG’s 100 per cent start under Tuchel.

Having been denied once by a brilliant Gianluigi Buffon save onto the bar, Roux made no mistake in the 20th minute, prodding in his first Guingamp goal.

PSG were fortunate not to be further behind before the half hour – Marcus Coco making a fool of Buffon before squaring to Nicolas Benezet to head in – but, after consultation with VAR, referee Clement Turpin disallowed the goal, possibly for a foul on Colin Dagba.

Mbappe’s introduction immediately buoyed PSG, though, and the visitors were level eight minutes after the interval when Neymar sent Karl-Johan Johnsson from the spot.

And France’s superstar took matters into his own hands late on – slotting in PSG’s second from Angel Di Maria’s neat pass before putting the result beyond all doubt with an exquisite chip in the 90th minute.

 

What does it mean: Tuchel’s soft underbelly exposed

Tuchel’s time at Borussia Dortmund was somewhat marred by his defensive frailties, and it looks as though those issues have not gone away at PSG. Thiago Silva and Marquinhos were both dragged out of position far too often, while Coco had the beating of both full-backs, and against better sides – especially in the Champions League – PSG’s weaknesses are likely to be punished more often.

Pat on the back: Magical Mbappe saves the day

France’s teenage sensation sparkled in Russia, and Mbappe’s star seems destined to rise even further this term. PSG looked devoid of ideas until the 19-year-old’s introduction, and having teed up Neymar in the build-up to the penalty, the former Monaco forward rounded things off in style with two wonderful finishes late on.

Boot up the backside: Neymar fails to shine

Neymar made his PSG debut in the corresponding fixture last season, but apart from his coolly-taken penalty, the Brazil superstar was lacklustre throughout Saturday’s clash in Brittany. From undercooking simple passes to poor decision making in the final third, the world’s most expensive player must improve if Tuchel’s side are to find success on all fronts this term, although Mbappe may change that, of course.

What’s next?

Despite the defeat, Guingamp put in a promising display, and will look to build on that when they travel to Lille, while PSG – who will be able to welcome back more big names to the starting XI – host Angers at Parc des Princes.

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