Neymar nets 2 as PSG beats Montpellier 5-2 in French league

PARIS: Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain’s high-powered attack put on another impressive display in a 5-2 win over Montpellier in the French league on Saturday as Kylian Mbappe opened his account but missed a penalty in his return from a groin injury. Neymar scored twice to take his tally to three goals in two league games for the defending champion on a night when Lionel Messi was held scoreless. The Brazil striker was also PSG’s best player in preseason friendlies as he looks to find his peak form for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts in November.

PSG also netted five goals in its league opener and Montpellier opted for a low defensive block to deny space for the hosts. But the pressure was too much for center back Falaye Sacko, who diverted Mbappe’s off-target shot into his own net in the 39th minute. Sacko then handled the ball in the 42nd when Lionel Messi juggled the ball on a dribbling run.

Neymar wrongfooted Jonas Omlin to convert the subsequent penalty for a 2-0 lead. PSG capitalized on another blunder to add a third goal in the 51st. Mbappe blocked Omlin’s pass and found Achraf Hakimi, whose deflected cross was headed home by Neymar.

Far from his best level, Mbappe still found the net with a flick from a corner in the 69th. “(Mbappe) is a competitor, he wants to be good, and he wants to be good quickly,” PSG coach Christophe Galtier told Canal Plus. “He needs a bit of time to be 100 percent fit.

He will make even more difference when he will be 100 percent fit.” In his PSG debut, Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches rounded off the scoring with a first-time effort in the 88th. Omlin pulled off some outstanding saves to frustrate PSG for more than 30 minutes. The Swiss goalkeeper saved a penalty from Mbappe in