PSG Suffer 1st Loss of Season Despite Mbappe’s Best Efforts
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced their first loss of the Ligue 1 season in a thrilling match against an impressive Nice, which ended in a 3-2 victory for the visitors at the Parc des Princes on Friday. Terem Moffi was the star of the night, scoring twice for Nice, while Kylian Mbappe managed a double for PSG.
PSG stumbled early in the game when Moffi capitalized on a costly mistake by Mbappe, putting Nice ahead midway through the first half. However, the French superstar redeemed himself with an equalizing goal for PSG in the 30th minute.
The second half saw Gaetan Laborde restoring Nice’s lead, eight minutes after the break, and Moffi added another goal to his tally, taking advantage of PSG’s defensive lapses.
Mbappe provided hope for the reigning French champions with a well-taken volley, but Nice held on to secure the victory.
Despite their best efforts, PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, couldn’t secure the win that would have propelled them to the top of the Ligue 1 table with three points. Instead, they currently stand in third place with eight points from five games, just one point behind the unbeaten Nice.
Before the match, the Parc des Princes bid a fond farewell to Marco Verratti, who ended his 11-year tenure at PSG to join Qatari club Al-Arabi. Messages from former teammates such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva were displayed on the big screen, and Verratti was given a lap of honour around the stadium.
The Italian midfielder, who made 416 appearances for PSG, clinching nine Ligue 1 titles and six French Cups, departs without securing a UEFA Champions League title for the club.
Nice initiated the shock lead in the 21st minute after PSG encountered defensive troubles. Mbappe’s giveaway deep in his own half led to Moffi’s fortuitous goal, deflected off Milan Skriniar.
Nice came close to extending their lead, with Khephren Thuram’s shot well saved by PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Mbappe responded emphatically, scoring his sixth league goal in four appearances this season, overpowering Nice’s goalkeeper Marcin Bulka with a powerful shot from Achraf Hakimi’s cut-back.
PSG enjoyed control but almost conceded before halftime when Jordan Lotomba missed a golden opportunity to put Nice ahead.
However, Nice regained their lead in the 53rd minute, with Moffi assisting Laborde for a clinical finish past Donnarumma.
Despite PSG’s continued dominance, Moffi essentially sealed the victory with a composed low finish from outside the area, as PSG’s defence hesitated.
Mbappe managed to reduce the deficit with an acrobatic volley following a brilliant assist from debutant substitute Randal Kolo Muani. Nevertheless, Nice expertly navigated the closing stages of the match to secure a memorable win.
PSG now faces the challenge of regrouping ahead of their Champions League group-stage opener against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Click the link below to watch the match highlights.
