Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 RC Lens: Kylian Mbappe makes more history as hosts secure crucial Ligue 1 victory

PSG took a huge step towards their 11th Ligue 1 title with a 3-1 win over second place Lens at Parc des Princes on Saturday night. Lens were on top early on but were reduced to ten men after 19 minutes when Salis Abdul Samed saw red for a studs-up challenge on Achraf Hakimi. Ad Kylian Mbappe became PSG’s all-time Ligue 1 top goalscorer when he rolled in PSG’s first of the night to put the hosts ahead with an instinctive strike.

TransfersMan Utd target Brighton duo in bid to strengthen midfield — Paper Round09/04/2023 AT 23:08 Vitinha scored from long-range to double PSG’s advantage, before Lionel Messi finished off a wonderful move to stretch PSG’s lead to three before the break. Early in the second half, Lens got a goal back when Przemyslaw Frankowski converted from the spot after a handball in the box from Fabian Ruiz. The win means PSG extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 by nine points.

Lens started the match on top and had an early chance beaten away by Gianluigi Donnarumma, before referee Willy Delajod was quick to issue his first card of the game — a red one. Samed was sent off in the 19th minute for a nasty foul on Hakimi, catching the Moroccan on the ankle with his studs. From there, the momentum completely shifted towards the hosts who quickly capitalised on the man advantage to go 1-0 up.

Mbappe just helped on a pass from Vitinha,which he received in the box with his back to goal, swivelled excellently and guided the ball into the bottom far corner for his first goal in three games. Lens almost replied instantly when Ikoma Openda found Frankowski in the box, but the winger steered his effort wide. It would go down as a wasted chance, and a chance rued as PSG quickly doubled their advantage.