Mbappe Heads PSG To Cup Win Over Ligue 1 Leaders Lille
Paris Saint Germain progressed to the Coupe de France quarter-final on Wednesday evening with a 3-0 victory over Ligue 1 leaders Lille at the Parc des Princes.
Kylian Mbappe stole the show for the hosts with a brace after coming on as a first half substitute for Mauro Icardi, who had opened the scoring for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The high-flying visitors had rested key players Jonathan David, Jonathan Bamba and Jonathan Ikone, but this weakened team were soon exposed.
Angel di Maria picked out Icardi with a beautifully weighted cross and the Argentine striker made no mistake to give his side the lead after nine minutes.
However, Icardi was soon replaced by Mbappe after suffering an injury and, in short order, the 21-year-old Frenchman had won a penalty, which he converted for his 27th goal of the season.
Lille rallied after David and Ikone were introduced at half time and it needed a superb penalty save from Keylor Navas to prevent the deficit being reduced to 2-1, before Mbappe had another crowning moment in second half stoppage time.
He ran the length of the pitch before lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to hand his side a place in the quarter-finals.
With just three points separating Pochettino’s side from Lille at the top of Ligue 1, as well as being present in the Champions League quarter-final draw this Friday, things are looking promising for PSG.
