Match Recap: Mbappé Scores Game-Winning Goal Against Rivals Marseille

By Jerry-Morel Takou Nguelo - 18 April 2022, 6:14

A controversial penalty by Kylian Mbappé secured Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 victory over Olympique Marseille in the 103 Classique.

It was an eerie atmosphere on Sunday night at the Parc des Princes, as the Collectif Ultras Paris decided to continue their strike action and stay silent for the game’s entirety.

However, at the end of the hard-fought match, the Parisian side won 2-1.

The Match

Neymar Jr. scored at the 12-minute mark after a beautifully lofted pass by Marco Verratti, and the Brazilian then beat the exit of Marseille goalkeeper, Pau López, to let the ball bounce into the empty goal.

After a corner that Idrissa Gueye could have avoided, PSG conceded the equalizer after 31 minutes as Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged the ball’s trajectory and offered the goal to Duje Ćaleta-Car.

Everyone thought that we were heading into halftime tied at 1-1 but there were moments of excitement, such as Messi’s goal that was rightly denied for offside.

PSG did find a goal before the halftime whistle. Neymar’s shot from just outside of the box his the arm of Valentin Rongier and after a VAR review, the penalty was given to PSG.

Many argue that there is no case for a penalty in the new rules of the IFAB (International Football Association Board) if the ball is deflected in another part of the body before touching the hand. Others said that there was a clear intention to lean into the ball’s path.

In any case, the evening referee François Letexier concluded to give this penalty, which was converted by Kylian Mbappe, making him the top scorer in Ligue 1.

After the break, frustration was growing on the Parisian side, and this materialized by the early yellow card picked up by Gueye at 46 minutes.

Ten minutes later, Neymar received a yellow card as the Arsenal loanee Mattéo Guendouzi faked a blow he allegedly received on his foot.

At the 75-minute mark, PSG saw another one of their goals disallowed as Mbappe was rightfully offside.

Offside Saint Germain.

— Jonathan (@Crexativea) April 17, 2022

After a free-kick cleverly taken by Dimitri Payet in the box, Jorge Sampaoli’s men thought they finally obtained the equalizer after a powerful volley by William Saliba. Fortunately for PSG, the goal was logically ruled out after a VAR checked by the official, and he blew the final whistle a few minutes later to end the game.

Match Feeling

Throughout the whole game, we could feel a lot of nervousness coming from PSG players. Few players were uncomfortable on the ball and often realized sloppy passes or clumsy control.

Since the mistake in Madrid, Donnaruma seems not as relaxed with the ball at his feet as he has been when he arrived at PSG.

In a row of two successful games, it is not easy to point out why they could not be as enthusiastic as they had been in the previous 2 games.

Have they been affected by not receiving any support from the most vocal group in the stadium, the CUP? Or did they face a well-organized Marseille team?

It will be vital to level up their game in the fixtures incoming to secure the title.