Lionel Messi's double helps PSG to a 3-2 win over RB Leipzig

Andre Silva canceled out Kylian Mbappe’s opener before Nordi Mukiele gave RB Leipzig the lead but Lionel Messi netted two goals in quick succession to secure three points for PSG.

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal in a file photo; Credit: Twitter/@PSG_inside
By Sreejith C R | Oct 20, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Paris Saint-Germain beat RB Leipzig 3-2 in the champions League group stage fixture at Parc des Princes on Tuesday. Andre Silva canceled out Kylian Mbappe’s opener before Nordi Mukiele gave RB Leipzig the lead. However, Lionel Messi netted two goals in quick succession to secure three points for the Parisians. Meanwhile Mbappe missed a penalty in stoppage time. Although it wasn’t a great performance from the hosts, individual brilliance helped them to get the better of the German club.

Leipzig came into the match desperate for a positive result as they had lost their two opening matches and they played with intent from the start. Marco Verratti lost the ball in the midfield which allowed the visitors to breakaway. Christopher Nkunku dribbled forward and laid the ball to Konrad Laimer but the 24-year-old’s weak effort from close range was comfortably pushed away by Keylor Navas at the near post. Few minutes later, Navas had to make a quick low save from Silva’s close range header.

However, against the run of play, PSG took the lead within nine minutes of kick-off. It was a quick breakaway move as Marquinhos played the ball to Julian Draxler who released Mbappe. The Frenchman dribbled forward and finished the move with a smart low finish past Leipzig custodian Peter Gulacsi and into the net.

Leipzig continued to play better football and six minutes from the half-hour mark, left wing back Angelino delivered one of his trademark early crosses for Silva to finish at the far post.  PSG were clearly pushed to the back foot and Nkunku’s attempt from the edge of the box went just wide of goal.

Within eight minutes of restart, Leipzig took the lead from yet another Angelino cross. The ball was spread to Angelino on the left and the 24-year-old’s delicious cross was volleyed in by Mukiele.

Messi- Mbappe combination

Few minutes after the hour mark, Willi Orban tested Navas from Nkunku’s free-kick before Messi and Mbappe combined to score the equalizer. Tyler Adams lost the ball in the midfield which allowed Mbappe to dribble forward and deliver the cutback for Messi. The Argentina legend’s first-time attempt was pushed on to the post by Gulacsi but the rebound fell kindly for the 34-year-old to tap in from close range.

few moments later, Mbappe cut inside from the left and Mohamed Simakan fouled him inside the box, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Messi stepped up and converted the penalty with a delicate panenka kick down the middle.

Messi had a shot at his first hat-trick for PSG when Achraf Hakimi was fouled inside the box, but the former Barcelona-man let Mbappe take the spot-kick. But the 22-year-old ballooned his penalty kick.

PSG’s two front-man Messi and Mbappe seems to be combining very well, and are slowly developing good understanding, Messi’s first goal was a testament to that. Meanwhile Messi sacrificing his hat-trick for Mbappe to get his brace will only help in improving their camaraderie.

The win helped Mauricio Pochettino’s team to top Group A with 7 points from 3 games, while Leipzig are almost out of the competition having lost all three of their opening games.

In the other match of Group A, Manchester City produced a scintillating attacking display to crush Club Brugge 5-1 in Belgium. Joao Cancelo opened the scoring for the English champions on the half-hour mark before Riyad Mahrez doubled the lead from the penalty spot.

Within eight minutes of restart, Kyle Walker made the score 3-0, and Cole Palmer added City’s fourth in the 67th minute. Although Hans Valaken pulled one back for the hosts, Mahrez completed the drubbing with his second of the night in the 84th minute. 





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