Paris, April 7: Kylian Mbappé came off the bench and set up a late equalizer as runaway French league leader Paris Saint-Germain and rock-bottom Clermont finished 1-1.
Mbappé took a pass from striker Goncalo Ramos and masterfully played it back into his path as Ramos ran into the penalty area in the 85th minute.
PSG is 13 points clear of second-placed Brest, which hosts relegation battler Metz on Sunday, and a record-extending 12th league title seems a formality. After this weekend, there are only six rounds and 18 points remaining.
PSG faces Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, and coach Luis Enrique left out Mbappé, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and other first-teamers. Mbappé went on against Clermont midway through the second half.Enrique has been rotating Mbappé in recent weeks, even taking him out midway through the second half against bitter foe Marseille last Sunday.
Midfielder Senny Mayulu and defender Yoram Zague, who are both 17, started their first games for PSG.
But PSG gave away a sloppy goal in the 32nd when central defender Milan Skriniar failed to deal with a cross. The ball was quickly played back into the penalty area, where Clermont defender Habib Keita hit a scuffed shot which bobbled past goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.Mayulu scored with a fine shot deep into first half stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out after video picked up a blatant foul by Zague moments earlier.
Right back Achraf Hakimi hit the crossbar in the 63rd and Enrique sent on Mbappé moments later.
United States forward Emmanuel Sabbi scored a late penalty after being fouled to earn struggling Le Havre a 1-1 draw at fifth-placed Lens.
Sabbi’s fifth goal of the season moved Le Havre up one place to 14th.
Lens striker Elye Wahi looked sharp early on but Le Havre held firm until the 58th when Przemyslaw Frankowski’s cross looped over goalkeeper Arthur Desmas.
Sabbi netted in the 78th after being pushed in the back when contesting a high ball. In a match filled with twists and turns, Kylian Mbappé once again proved his worth as a game-changer for Paris Saint-Germain. His decisive contribution, coming off the bench to set up a late equalizer against rock-bottom Clermont, not only salvaged a crucial point for the runaway French league leaders but also underscored his impact on the pitch.
Mbappé’s moment of brilliance in the 85th minute, orchestrating the goal with precision and finesse, showcased his ability to turn the tide in PSG’s favor even in the face of adversity. Despite being left out of the starting lineup by coach Luis Enrique, Mbappé seized the opportunity when he was called upon, demonstrating his readiness to make an impact whenever he steps onto the field.
As PSG inches closer to yet another league title, Mbappé’s performance serves as a reminder of his invaluable presence in the team’s quest for success. With only six rounds and 18 points remaining after this weekend’s fixtures, PSG’s dominance in the league appears all but assured, setting the stage for a potentially historic triumph.
However, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash against Barcelona, where Mbappé and his teammates will face a stern test of their mettle on the European stage.
With aspirations of continental glory looming large, Mbappé’s form and fitness will be key factors in PSG’s pursuit of Champions League glory. (AP)
