Mbappe helps PSG win first Champions League match

France Striker Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in PSG's 2-0 win over Dortmund in the first round of Group F of the Champions League.

Mbappe scored in his eighth consecutive game for PSG, as they dominated the Bundesliga runners-up. He has scored eight goals in total this season, accounting for 67% of his team's total. Mbappe's close friend and defender Achraf Hakimi also scored the other goal to sink Dortmund in Paris.

Mbappe celebrates scoring against Dortmund. Photo: UEFA — Mbappe celebrates scoring for PSG against Dortmund at Parc des Princes, Paris, France on the evening of September 19, 2023. Photo: *UEFA*

PSG had 78% possession in the first half, and had 12 shots but failed to score. They had two more shots in the first half of the second half and scored twice. Meanwhile, the visitors failed to create any significant chances, and often lost possession quickly before they could progress past the halfway line.

Despite dominating, PSG had to rely on a controversial situation to score. In the 47th minute, Mbappe's shot hit Niklas Sule's hand as the centre-back was lowering his centre of gravity and preparing to put his hands on the ground. Referee Gil Manzano immediately awarded the home team a penalty, and VAR did not overturn the decision, despite the visitors' protest that the distance between the two players was too close for Sule to react.

Mbappe himself kicked the penalty into the bottom left corner, causing goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to dive in the right direction but still not have time to touch the ball. Previously, Kobel had faced two penalties in the tournament, but both times he was able to block shots from Riyad Mahrez (Man City) and Pedro Goncalves (Sporting).

Mbappe's penalty kick. Photo: EPA — Mbappe's penalty kick. Photo: *EPA*

Most of the Parc des Princes crowd stood up to applaud their star man as he scored his first goal for the club in the league. For PSG, Mbappe is the most important player, and the Champions League is the most important tournament.

PSG added another nine minutes later, this time from an impromptu exchange between Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi in the middle. The Portuguese midfielder eventually crossed for the Moroccan to beat before flicking the ball into the far corner from close range. Hakimi tried not to celebrate his goal against his former club, but was all smiles as his teammates came to share in the joy.

Despite Dortmund not creating many good chances, the away fans sang their support throughout the match. Down on the pitch, the player in yellow received consecutive yellow cards in a scuffle with his opponent. That was all Edin Terzic's team could muster in Paris.

The first three points do not guarantee that PSG will easily overcome the deadly group F. But with an overwhelming performance, Luis Enrique's team can go deep in the tournament, even aiming for their first Champions League title.

Xuan Binh

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