Mbappe helps PSG win the French Super Cup

Paris Kylian Mbappe scored a superb solo goal as PSG defeated Toulouse 2-0 in the French Super Cup on the evening of January 3.

*Goals: Lee Kang-in 3', Mbappe 44'.

With a strong lineup and playing at home, PSG did not encounter any difficulties. They dominated and finished off their opponents in the first half. Korean striker Lee Kang-in quickly put PSG ahead and Mbappe doubled the gap before half-time. The victory brought Luis Enrique his first title as PSG coach.

Mbappe celebrates with his teammates after scoring to make it 2-0 for PSG. Photo: AFP — Mbappe celebrates with his teammates after scoring to make it 2-0 for PSG. Photo: *AFP*

The first win of 2024 also continues PSG's impressive run of form since the end of last year. In fact, Enrique's team started the 2023-2024 season quite slowly. But they went through eight consecutive unbeaten matches in all competitions before the winter break. If we only count Ligue 1, PSG have not lost since September 16. This helps Enrique's team return to the top of the table with a gap of five points over second-placed Nice.

It was pouring rain at the Parc des Princes as the game began, but that did not dampen the home side's spirits. In the third minute, Lee Kang-in swooped in unmarked from Ousmane Dembele's cross. The Toulouse defenders were drawn to Mbappe, completely ignoring Lee. The South Korean striker became the earliest player to score in a French Super Cup match since Hatem Ben Arfa in 2005.

Toulouse played well, creating quality responses after conceding a goal. Notably, defender Gabriel Suazo missed the post in a good position or Thijs Dallinga hit the post from a tight angle. The visitors paid the price for wasting these chances at the end of the half. Mbappe showed his class with a solo run into the box before finishing close to the goal, leaving goalkeeper Guillaume Restes unable to react.

Toulouse struggled at the start of the second half but luck continued to elude them. Cristian Casseres had a chance after a one-two with Dallinga but his shot went wide. PSG responded shortly afterwards with Achraf Hakimi hitting the post with a free kick. Both teams created more chances in the remaining time of the match but neither side scored again.

PSG finished the game with 65% more possession, but the visitors had reason to believe they deserved better. Toulouse had 17 shots in the game, three more than PSG, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Quang Huy

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