Mbappé? PSG fans are likely to have forgotten the name, at least during the first home game. Because without the departing striker, the Parisians enchanted their fans in the 6-0 win over Montpellier. Barcola in particular was a joy to watch
In the first game after the Mbappé era, Luis Enrique had initially dispensed with his congenial partner: Barcola and Dembelé had first had to watch on in Le Havre (4:1), before they turned out to be the deciders in the closing stages with their goals for 2:1 and 3:1 respectively. The duo’s bid was successful, meaning they both started in their first home game of the season.
And Barcola immediately picked up where he left off seven days ago. While the 21-year-old had scored four minutes before the end in Le Havre, this time he scored after four minutes. He left his opponent Tchato standing and scored with the help of the left inside post. Paris almost struck twice: Joao Neves, who Luis Enrique had also brought into the starting eleven along with Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes, headed Dembelé’s cross from a corner over the bar (7th).
After that, PSG took it a little easier, but without losing control. But Barcola wanted nothing to do with calm on this evening, his feet were obviously itching. The left winger showed enormous enthusiasm for the game and repeatedly created opportunities. He set up Asensio to make it 2-0 (24′) after Joao Neves had set him up with a fine touch (it was the six-man’s fourth assist in his second game – no new signing has ever had so many after two Ligue 1 games) and then missed his brace twice (26′, 27′).
Donnarumma defused Montpellier’s only chance – Nardin headed over from a corner – to make it 2-0 at half-time.
Zaire-Emery fools Kouyaté in front of goal
This result did not last long because the hosts were having a lot of fun. One example: Asensio’s no-look pass before the 3:0. The Spaniard passed to Dembelé, who set up Barcola to score (53′).
The home side extended their lead just as spectacularly. Hakimi made a volleyed goal look easy (58′) and Zaire-Emery tunneled Kouyaté before scoring (60′).
Shortly after making it 5:0, Luis Enrique took his attacking trio (Dembelé, Asensio and Barcola) off the pitch (62′). This had a noticeable effect on the game, meaning that the pace of the chances was no longer as high. In the end, it was Lee who scored the final goal (82′) with a dry shot from distance and PSG’s sixth goal of the evening.
Next up for Paris, who have now scored ten goals in two league games, is Lille next week on Sunday (8.45pm). The day before, MHSC host Nantes (7pm).
