Birthday boy Mbappe bags brace as PSG beat Metz

Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways in Ligue 1 on Wednesday evening with a 3-1 home victory over struggling Metz. The match marked Kylian Mbappe’s 25th birthday, and the French superstar celebrated in style by scoring two second-half goals to ensure a much-needed three points for the league leaders after the weekend’s shock draw against Lille.

Despite near-constant possession, PSG struggled to create many clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes. Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja did well to deny Mbappe from winning a penalty, while at the other end, Danilo was relieved to see his header bounce off the crossbar. The breakthrough eventually came five minutes after the interval when Lee Kang-in teed up Vitinha to volley home from close range.

Mbappe had been a virtual passenger for much of the match, but he stepped up when it mattered by lashing in a thunderous 25-yard drive on the hour mark to double PSG’s advantage. Metz refused to roll over though, and Matthieu Udol headed them back into it in the 72nd minute. The visitors then forced several dangerous corners as they sensed an unlikely comeback.

Still, PSG always carried a threat on the counterattack and killed the game off with seven minutes left when Mbappe pounced on a poor back pass to dunk the ball over Oukidja for his brace.

The France international’s younger brother Ethan was brought on for a debut in the closing moments to cap an unforgettable personal night for the Mbappe family. The victory, coupled with dropped points for Lille and Lens, sees PSG restore their five-point cushion at the Ligue 1 summit.