By Betsefy
© Reuters
After weeks of turbulence in the PSG dressing room surrounding Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, PSG is again back in business in Ligue 1 after thrashing Lille 7-1.
In the weeks of the clash, fans were reconsidering their purchase of PSG tickets, seeing the bitter rivalry between Mbappe and Neymar that erupted during the team’s win against Montepellier. It all started with the two stars arguing over who would take a penalty, and there was also footage of Mbappe pushing the legendary Lionel Messi away when he failed to pass the ball.
This incident sparked controversy as many assumed that the 23-year-old did not share the same perspective as the rest. Reports from French media add that there was more to this after the game, and sporting director Luis Campos had to intervene to calm things.
However, a week later, the 7-1 win against Lille proved that the ego battles are a thing of the past.
An assist from Messi with the kick-off whistle saw Kylian Mbappe score Ligue 1’s fastest goal and later completer his hattrick. Neymar got two, and Messi and Achraf Hakimi one a piece to complete the seven goals. It was a sight of happiness for all the PSG tickets owners who gathered at the stadium to watch the trio make it work.
The win sent out a strong message to the critics who tagged Mbappe as a player who looks arrogant and plays to his whims. One such comment came from the Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney who was quite critical of Mbappe’s behaviour on the pitch.
“A 23-year-old player commits to pushing Messi. I have never seen a bigger ego in my life,” he added.
During the post-match presser, manager Christophe Galtier credits last season’s PSG U19 squad for being the sole inspiration behind Mbappe’s first goal. He added that it was a move that the team worked on during training and that this was something the junior team used during their game against Salzburg.
He further added that seeing this goal brought in the sense of satisfaction and that it set the tone for the rest of the events. Mbappe was also overjoyed with his hattrick and took to social media to add that it was “One fine Sunday evening.”
The trio – Mbappe, Messi and Neymar were sensational, with six goals and four assists. The Brazilian striker was also feeling more confident than ever before as he shared an Instagram post stating that it was an “amazing night.”
Earlier, there were several concerns around Neymar’s future at PSG with him tied to a move to Chelsea, but the Sunday game changed it all. It was clear that Neymar wants to get his act together as PSG look for greener pastures this season after failing to accomplish their original goal of winning the UEFA Champions League last season.
Messi, too, joined in the celebrations as he shared a series of photographs depicting the team’s camaraderies, including moments with his other strike partners.
PSG manager Galtier added that he changed his attacking setup for better progress of play that would help the three strikers perform better. He clarified that he positioned Messi and Neymar a bit further apart than in the opening two games to make the game flow better, and the gamble he took became successful. It showed that these three players could play together and as a team in contrast to what was discussed after the second game week.
The combination resembled the time when Messi and Neymar were in Barcelona with Luis Suarez. The Messi-Neymar-Suarez era was perhaps one of the best times for the Spanish club as they took one trophy after another.
PSG are now comfortably on top, winning all three games and scoring 17 games in 3 games. It will take some reckoning force to stop them this season.
The strike combination finally working is a good sign. It has not just increased the demand for PSG tickets but also given a clear indication of what we can expect in the UEFA Champions League.
Here’s a look at how the players performed in their 3rd game.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 8/10Although the scoreline suggests otherwise, Donnarumma had a busy evening with Lille aiming ten shots at goal. The Italian cap was up for the challenge and was hard to be. Donnarumma would have loved to take home a clean sheet, but it did not matter since PSG were in high spirits after their 7-goal win.
The PSG goalie understands that if he could rally his defences accordingly, the next few games are going to be less challenging.
Presnel Kimpembe: 7/10The Frenchman had a decent night at the back, keeping Lille at bay. His pace was impeccable, and he won almost all of the contests. He would’ve loved to have a clean sheet as well, but the goal from Jonathan Bamba was a little too good.
Marquinhos: 8/10The Brazilan anchored his side pretty well despite the Lille pressure. Marquinhos was constantly busy organizing his backline and also read the game well to stop any incoming attackers in their tracks.
He could’ve done better for the Bamba goal, but the Brazilian cannot be held responsible for what was a nearly flawless performance on the field.
Sergio Ramos: 7/10The Spanish veteran earned a yellow card for his tackle against Bamba and was not up to his usual aggression. He looked shaky at times which is why he did not end up rated above. But the rest of the back three compensated for his disappointing day.
However, with no standout errors, all the PGS tickets owners will be looking at him to be better during the next fixture.
Neymar: 10/10The Brazilian had a sensational start, and it showed against Lille. He was electric on the field and linked Messi and Mbappe perfectly. With two goals and three assists, he was unplayable.
Lionel Messi: 9/10The Argentine acted as the primary playmaker on the field and pulled strings in attack. His assist to Neymar was his 12 this year, more than any other player in Europe. Messi crafted opportunities and grabbed himself an early goal in the first half. For the first time, he looked settled in the PSG shirt, bringing a smile to every PSG tickets holders.
Kylian Mbappe: 10/10After a mixed night in the second week, Mbappe showed the world what he was capable of from the start. He completed his hattrick with two goals in the second half. He deserved all the points from the Lille outing, showcasing his true worth.
PSG – finally set? It seems like PSG has got their act together, finally. With the Ligue 1 just starting, expect more action from the trio as they look to build towards Europe. With this in mind, every PSG fan would be eyeing to purchase their PSG tickets.
However, that’s going to be a challenge through the official sources, but reseller platforms are giving every fan a lifeline. With a matter of a few clicks, any fan could be purchasing PSG tickets through any of the verified sellers and making their way to the iconic PSG stadium to watch their heroes play.
