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Mbappe helps PSG to extend Ligue 1 lead, Depay’s Euros at risk
PARIS, Dec 16, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Kylian Mbappe helped Paris Saint-Germain
extend their Ligue 1 lead on Sunday with a brace in a comfortable 4-0 win
over 10-man Saint-Etienne, while Memphis Depay’s cruciate ligament tear looks
to have ruled him out of Euro 2020.
France forward Mbappe took his league tally to nine in 11 appearances as
his side took advantage of second-placed Marseille only drawing at Metz on
Saturday to move seven points clear and tighten their grip on the French
championship, which they have won six out of the last seven seasons.
“We have played three matches with a good mentality and lots of quality,”
said coach Thomas Tuchel.
“We played with the ball with intensity and seriousness. We created lots
of chances and never stopped working defensively … I’m happy.”
Leandro Paredes set the ball rolling in the 10th minute with a deflected
strike and once Jean Eudes Aholou was sent off in the 25th minute for a
dreadful late tackle on the Argentine PSG could stroll their way to three
points.
Mbappe then ended any question of a Saint-Etienne comeback a minute before
the break when he swiftly collected Neymar’s brilliant through ball before
sweeping his finish past Stephane Ruffier.
Brazilian Neymar then missed the chance to make it three from the penalty
spot just after the hour mark, his spot-kick clipping the outside of the
post, before Mauro Icardi made it 13 goals in all competitions this season
with a tap-in 11 minutes later.
Mbappe put the cherry on the cake in the final minute as the home fans let
off a cascade of fireworks in the stands to celebrate the birthday of one of
their hardcore supporter groups.
The 20-year-old collected another Neymar pass and burst past Wesley Fofana
before lashing his shot in the far corner, celebrating by the stands as
flares and fireworks billowed smoke and flame towards the pitch.
– Depay’s Euros at risk –
Earlier Lyon fell further behind in the reckoning after losing 1-0 at home
to Rennes, but the worst news of the night for Rudi Garcia’s side was the
cruciate ligament injury that ended star attacker Memphis Depay’s season.
Lyon said that Depay would be out for “no less than six months”, which if
correct would also rule him out of Euro 2020, which begins on June 12 in
Rome.
Depay has scored eight times in his last eight matches in all competitions
for Lyon, including the goal that took them to the last 16 of the Champions
League midweek.
On a dreadful day for Lyon, Depay’s teammate Jeff Reine-Adelaide is also
out for the season after tearing the same ligament in his right knee.
“Memphis’ injury is a catastrophe for because he is our most decisive
player … we’ll have to forget about him for the rest of the season,” said
Lyon’s sporting director Juninho.
Lyon were booed off following a dismal defeat to Rennes, who moved into
fourth thanks to youngster Eduardo Camavinga’s late strike that gave Rennes
their fourth league win in a row.
The 17-year-old’s first ever Ligue 1 goal moved his side to 30 points in
the Europa League spot, just one point away from the Champions League places.
Lyon meanwhile are eighth, five points behind Rennes and a whopping 17 points
behind PSG.
The game looked to be heading for a goalless draw when Rennes goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy pulled off a sensational double save with six minutes left to
deny Maxence Caqueret and Bertrand Traore.
However, Camavinga stunned the home fans after 89 minutes when he
collected Romain Del Castillo’s pass and slalomed past Rafael and Joachim
Andersen before squeezing his shot past Anthony Lopes.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1047 hrs