PARIS, March 1, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Kylian Mbappe scored twice and grabbed an
assist as runaway Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain coasted to a 4-0 win
over Dijon on Saturday despite the absence of the suspended Neymar.
Pablo Sarabia struck the opener inside three minutes at the Parc des
Princes, as PSG played without Neymar who was serving a one-match ban after
his red card in last week’s win over Bordeaux.
Dijon, who beat PSG 2-1 at home in November, are hovering just above the
relegation play-off place but held out for 70 minutes before PSG added a
second through Mbappe.
The France international then set up Mauro Icardi for a third goal just
moments after the Argentine came on as a replacement for Edinson Cavani.
Mbappe bagged his second and PSG’s fourth in stoppage time as Thomas
Tuchel’s side preserved their 13-point lead over Marseille at the top of the
table.
“It was a good match. We were able to score quickly which settled us down,”
said PSG captain Marquinhos, who admitted his dismay at the decision to scrap
the customary pre-match handshakes as part of safety measures related to the
coronavirus outbreak.
The players also made their way into the ground via a side door, ditching
the traditional entrance in front of dozens of supporters.
“We don’t like that too much,” said Marquinhos. “As a Brazilian, I like
contact, the energy of people. We don’t like to stay in our corner. But you
have to be vigilant to stay healthy.”
PSG travel to Lyon on Wednesday for a French Cup semi-final and play
Strasbourg next weekend, with the return leg against Borussia Dortmund in the
Champions League on March 11.
“The group absolutely wants to show against Dortmund that it’s capable of
taking this step forward,” said Tuchel.
“They’re having a very consistent season with lots of wins and strong
performances. We can’t lose confidence in this team. The players have shown
this week they want to play that game, and they did again today.”
– Tuchel optimistic over Di Maria –
The hosts were already without Marco Verratti due to suspension and injured
skipper Thiago Silva, and lost Angel Di Maria to a thigh problem early in the
first half.
Tuchel said he was confident Di Maria would make a swift recovery, adding
the decision to take him off was one of precaution.
By that point PSG were already leading through Sarabia’s ninth goal of 2020
— and PSG’s second quickest of the campaign — after he redirected a mishit
shot from Marquinhos.
Dijon goalkeeper Alex Runarsson produced a number of saves to keep the
visitors in touch, but he was eventually beaten again when Mbappe rounded the
Iceland international following a slick ball through from Julian Draxler.
Mbappe turned provider when he helped the ball across for Icardi to apply a
sharp finish on 74 minutes. He then increased his league-best goals tally to
18 in stoppage time after a scramble in the area.
Elsewhere, Rennes moved four points clear of Lille in the race for the
third and final Champions League spot with a 2-0 win at bottom club Toulouse.
Montpellier climbed to fifth following a 3-0 victory over Strasbourg while
Monaco drew 1-1 at home to Reims despite a Wissam Ben Yedder penalty — his
17th goal of the season.
Angers won 1-0 away to Brest while Metz defeated Amiens 1-0 on the road.
Marseille strengthened their grip on second place on Friday as Dario
Benedetto scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 win at lowly Nimes.