Mbappe helps PSG win the French Super Cup.

Paris Kylian Mbappe scored a spectacular solo goal as PSG beat Toulouse 2-0 in the French Super Cup match on the evening of January 3rd.

Goals: Lee Kang-in 3', Mbappe 44'.

Fielding a strong lineup and playing at home, PSG faced no difficulties. They dominated the game and finished off their opponents in the first half. South Korean striker Lee Kang-in quickly put PSG ahead, and Mbappe doubled the lead before halftime. The victory brought Luis Enrique his first title as PSG coach.

Mbappe celebrates with his teammates after scoring the goal that put PSG 2-0 up. Photo: AFP — Mbappe celebrates with his teammates after scoring the goal that put PSG 2-0 up. Photo: *AFP*

The first victory of 2024 also extended PSG's impressive run of form since the end of last year. In fact, Enrique's team had a rather slow start to the 2023-2024 season. However, they went on an unbeaten run of eight consecutive matches in all competitions before the winter break. In Ligue 1 alone, PSG haven't lost since September 16th. This has helped Enrique's team return to the top of the table with a five-point lead over second-placed Nice.

Heavy rain poured down on the Parc des Princes pitch as the match kicked off, but it didn't dampen the home team's spirits. In the third minute, from a cross by Ousmane Dembele, Lee Kang-in rushed in to tap the ball in unmarked. The Toulouse defenders were drawn to Mbappe and completely ignored Lee. The South Korean striker became the earliest goalscorer in a French Super Cup match since Hatem Ben Arfa in 2005.

Toulouse played well, creating quality counter-attacks after conceding a goal. Notably, defender Gabriel Suazo's shot went wide of the post despite a good opportunity when Thijs Dallinga's shot hit the post from a tight angle. Having squandered these chances, the visitors paid the price at the end of the half. Mbappe showcased his class with a solo run into the penalty area before finishing from close range, leaving goalkeeper Guillaume Restes with no chance.

Toulouse put in a spirited start to the second half, but luck continued to elude them. Cristian Casseres had a chance after a one-two with Dallinga, but his shot went wide. Shortly afterwards, PSG responded with Achraf Hakimi's free-kick hitting the post. Both teams created further opportunities in the remaining time, but neither side managed to score.

PSG finished the match with a dominant 65% possession. However, the visitors had reason to believe they deserved a better result. Toulouse had 17 shots on goal throughout the game, three more than PSG, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Quang Huy

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