Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-14 13:13:04
Kylian Mbappe made a significant impact in his return to the starting lineup for Paris Saint-Germain as they secured a 3-1 victory over Nice in the French Cup quarter-finals. After being used as a substitute in the previous match against Reims, Mbappe was reinstated to the starting XI by coach Luis Enrique, who made a total of six changes to the team. The decision paid off as Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by a goal from Fabian Ruiz. Despite Gaetan Laborde pulling one back for Nice before halftime, Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldo sealed the win with his first goal for PSG in the 60th minute.
With a comfortable lead in Ligue 1 and a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, PSG’s victory keeps them in the running for a potential clean sweep of honors this season. Coach Luis Enrique expressed confidence in the team’s progress, stating that they are in good form and continuing to show improvement as they enter a crucial phase of the season. The team will now face Rennes in the semi-finals of the French Cup on April 3, with a chance to add to their record 14 titles in the competition.
Mbappe’s role in the team has been under scrutiny since his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, but he has shown his commitment on the field with impressive performances. Despite squad rotation and the occasional benching of key players, Luis Enrique emphasized the need for all players to be ready to perform at their best and give their all for the team. He dismissed concerns about player dissatisfaction, stating that professional football is a competitive environment where players must earn their place in the team.
The match saw Mbappe take on the captaincy and showcase his talent with a goal, while Ruiz also found the back of the net after a goalkeeping error by Nice’s Marcin Bulka. Despite Nice’s previous victory over PSG earlier in the season, their challenge has faltered, leaving them second in Ligue 1. Laborde’s impressive goal gave them hope, but Beraldo’s header effectively closed the door on any potential comeback.
As PSG looks ahead to the semi-finals and beyond, their focus remains on maintaining their winning form and competing on all fronts. With Mbappe leading the charge and the team showing resilience and determination, they are on track to achieve their goals for the season. The victory over Nice was another step towards success, with the team’s depth and talent shining through in crucial moments. With the final in Lille approaching in May, PSG will be aiming to add another trophy to their collection and solidify their status as one of the top teams in French football.
