PARIS, Feb 12: Kylian Mbappe came through yet again for French league leader Paris Saint-Germain when he scored in the third minute of injury time to scrape a 1-0 home win against Rennes on Friday.
Mbappe was set up by Lionel Messi in the 93rd minute for his 12th league goal.
The victory moved PSG 16 points ahead of second-placed Marseille.
PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino picked a full-strength team against Rennes, the only side to beat him in the league this season, but PSG was lackluster, as it has been several times recently.
PSG’s ultras displayed banners critical of the club directors, in particular sporting director Leonardo.
Rather than keeping his stars fresh for the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Pochettino started Mbappe and Messi against Rennes, which beat PSG 2-0 at home and negated PSG until another late escape.
Rennes almost scored in the 14th when Baptiste Santamaria header flew just wide from fellow midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud’s corner.
Mbappe hit the post in the 40th and another goal in the second half was ruled out for offside. (AP)
