Paris crushed Clermont (6-1) to get closer to the title on Saturday during the 31st day of Ligue 1, while Rennes became its runner-up.
© AFP
Neymar (left) and Kylian Mbappe enjoyed themselves against Clermont on Saturday with a hat-trick each.
Triplets from Kylian Mbappé and Neymar allowed Paris SG to crush Clermont (6-1) to get closer to the title, Saturday during the 31st day of Ligue 1, while Rennes became their runner-up, thanks to their victory in Reims (3-2).
On Michelin land, Neymar (6th, 71st sp, 83rd) and Mbappé (19th, 74th, 80th) squealed the tires, overtaking Clermontois reduced to the role of stooges.
The two superstars got along perfectly well. The Brazilian also delivered a decisive pass to the Frenchman, who also went from his “assist”, and caused a penalty.
Mbappé top scorer
This hat-trick allows Mbappé to become the top scorer in the championship (20 goals), ahead of Monegasque Wissam Ben Yedder (18), who faces Troyes on Sunday (1:00 p.m.).
All that was missing was Lionel Messi’s contribution to this attacking festival which brightens up the end of the season for PSG, deprived of the Champions League and the Coupe de France. The Argentinian, however, stood out with three assists.
The teammates of Sergio Ramos, holder in Auvergne, hope to keep smiling against Marseille, next Sunday, before popping the champagne, on the occasion of the title which is reaching out to them.
The Clermontois, who came back to 2-1 thanks to Jodel Dossou (41st), remain stuck in 17th place. They must recover quickly. Two “finals” for maintenance await them, in Metz then in Troyes.
Provisional dolphin reindeer
Behind PSG, the race is raging for the second place, which offers a ticket to the group stage of the Champions League.
Winner in Reims, Rennes regained the advantage at the expense of Marseille, thanks to a better goal difference (+36 against +20). But OM can come back in front if they don’t lose against Montpellier on Sunday (9:00 p.m.).
The crossover between Bretons and Provençaux could last until their tantalizing duel on the penultimate day, at the Rouge et Noir.
Bruno Genesio’s players have confirmed their status as the fittest team in Champagne at the moment, pocketing a sixth victory in their last seven meetings. But they gritted their teeth to the end at the 13th. Leading 3-0 thanks to Benjamin Bourigeaud (39th, 43rd) and Martin Terrier (58th) did not prevent the Rennais from living the last ten minutes under tension.
Goals from Maxime Busi (59th) and Jens Cadjus (80th sp) revived the Rémois, who will regret the penalty from Moussa Doumbia (78th) stopped by Dogan Alemdar, as well as the missed opportunities during the start of the match which they dominated . “What is important is that we hung on, retained Rennes coach Bruno Genesio. We must appreciate this victory but we are aware that there is progress to be made.
With Monaco and Strasbourg on the program for the next ten days, two rivals for European places, the Bretons must quickly learn the lesson.