Paris Saint-Germain's main men delivered as the Ligue 1 leaders comfortably put away Lens at Parc de Princes on Saturday.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe starred in attack, each finding the net, as PSG's trio of first-half strikes lifted them past second-placed Lens – and likely sealed their title hopes with a 3-1 win.
Mbappe opened the scoring for the home side, completing a flowing team move with a guided shot into the bottom corner. Vitinha added a second 10 minutes later, lashing one in from 30 yards.
Messi got involved for the third, latching onto Mbappe's back-heel before finding the bottom corner to put the game beyond sight shortly before half time.
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The duo have now combined for 23 goals this year, and this was perhaps the most important, a decisive third to put a potential title decider well out of sight. This win does not solve the litany of problems the Parisians face. But it should just about wrap up their 11th Ligue 1 crown.
GOAL rates PSG's players from Parc des Princes…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):
Forced into a big save inside two minutes. Sent the wrong way on Lens' penalty. Had little to do otherwise.
Marquinhos (6/10):
Forced into some defensive work to deal with the rapid Lois Openda. Much better after a poor showing last week.
Sergio Ramos (7/10):
Not the player he once was, but can still thrive in slower-paced games like this.
Danilo Pereira (6/10):
Was consistently targeted by the Lens attack – and looked vulnerable.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Achraf Hakimi (5/10):
Went down under a horrific challenge, but carried on. Struggled to impact the game at either end; he's been far short of his best in recent weeks.
Carlos Soler (5/10):
Allegedly on the pitch.
Vitinha (7/10):
Banged one in from 30 yards out for his first PSG goal. Also assisted Mbappe. An encouraging showing from an oft-criticised player.
Fabian Ruiz (5/10):
Gave away a silly penalty with a needless handball. Was mostly tidy in midfield otherwise.
Nuno Mendes (7/10):
Almost scored a ridiculous goal after a mazy run downfield. One of PSG's most obvious attacking threats.
GettyAttack
Lionel Messi (8/10):
Bagged PSG's third after a lovely link-up with Mbappe. Spent the rest of the game dribbling about and doing pretty things.
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
Opened the scoring with a classy finish, becoming PSG's all-time Ligue 1 goalscorer in the process. Assisted Messi. Had a few other chances, and was perhaps unlucky not to grab one or two more.
GettySubs & Manager
Juan Bernat (6/10):
Relieved Mendes after 75 minutes. Showed he can still have a role to play as a back-up.
Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):
A brief cameo from an ever-improving teenager.
Christophe Galtier (7/10):
Few surprises in the XI ahead for one of the biggest contests of the year. PSG looked in trouble very early, but put the game beyond doubt with three first-half strikes. Galtier celebrated each goal with the vigour of a manager who knows his job is saved – for now.
