PSG vs Strasbourg was France striker Kylian Mbappé’s first game since the World Cup final. Ten days after Mbappé’s hopes of becoming a two-time World Cup winner were defeated when the 2018 champions France were beaten by Argentina in the Qatar final, refreshed Kylian is back on the grounds for Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
Ligue 1 PSG vs. Strasbourg highlights
Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Strasbourg on Wednesday night (28 December) at the Parc des Princes. The winning goal was scored by France striker Kylian Mbappéb. He scored the winning goal from the penalty spot after Marquinhos curiously scored one goal for his team.
Christophe Galtier’s PSG enjoyed a bright start to the game as Captain Marquinhos had put the hosts ahead with an early header. Marquinhos created their first goal-scoring opportunity after nine minutes of play. Five minutes post, PSG got their noses in front, thanks to the skipper Marquinhos.
The Brazilian player opened the scoring by breaking free from his marker and headed in Neymar’s cross after 14 minutes.
At the half-hour mark, Strasbourg came close to equalizing the score. Kevin Gameiro went for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal with a first-time effort. While the Italian goalkeeper first blocked Gameiro’s shot but missed thwarting Ludovic Ajorque’s tame rebound.
The game’s first hour was all about PSG’s Captain, Marquinhos. However, after the score tied up, the drama started. Neymar had two yellow cards in two second-half minutes. The first was for a foul and then the second was for a clear dive in the Strasbourg box. Neymar finally received his marching orders in the 62nd minute at Parc des Princes.
Since joining PSG in 2017, it was Neymar’s fifth red card. Neymar joined PSG for a world record fee of €222m ($236m) in 2017. Neymar is currently suspended for Sunday’s game at second-place Lens.
It was a close call for PSG before Kylian Mbappe scored an injury-time penalty to seal a 2-1 win for Paris Saint-Germain over Strasbourg in Ligue 1. It was an outstanding match as Christophe Galtier’s side earned the result even though they were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half after Neymar was sent off.
Lionel Messi’s return to PSG
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has missed Paris Saint-Germain F.C.’s home league game against Strasbourg this Wednesday. He will also miss the trip to Lens on Sunday.
Messi’s miss from PSG has nothing to do with the World Cup final clash with now teammate Kylian Mbappé. Messi won the FIFA World Cup title with Argentina after they beat France 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) head Christophe Galtier said at a news conference that Messie will come and join PSG, either on the 2nd or the 3rd of January. Galtier further mentioned that Messi had to return to Argentina for the World Cup celebrations and the receptions. It was decided that he would be off until Jan. 1.
Messi will soon resume competition with PSG. The club is set to sign a one-year extension to the 35-year-old Messi as his contract expires in the summer.
Next PSG match
The next PSG match is on Mon, 2 Jan against Lens. The match will be played at Stade Bollaert at 1:15 IST.
Paris Saint-Germain F.C. is in the top standings with 44 points, eight ahead of Lens. The recent match with Strasbourg pushed Strasbourg into 19th place, three points ahead of bottom-of-the-table Angers.
