Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate after scoring a goal during their 6-0 victory over Montpellier in a Ligue 1 match at Parc des Princes. © Twitter (@SportsDigitale)
Paris, France – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a statement of intent in their first home game of the Ligue 1 season, dismantling Montpellier 6-0 at the Parc des Princes. The reigning champions demonstrated that life after Kylian Mbappe could be just as fruitful with a comprehensive display of attacking football under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique.
Bradley Barcola was the star of the night, finding the net twice as PSG’s revamped frontline made light work of Montpellier’s defence. Barcola’s opener came just four minutes into the game, setting the tone for what would be a relentless offensive performance. His second, a clinical tap-in, arrived early in the second half, solidifying his status as a key player in PSG’s new era.
Marco Asensio, another of PSG’s summer signings, made an instant impact, scoring a sublime goal following a beautifully cushioned layoff from 19-year-old Joao Neves, who was making his debut start. Achraf Hakimi, ever-reliable on the right flank, added the fourth goal with a composed side-foot volley, capping off a fluid team move.
Luis Enrique’s trust in youth was evident, with eight of the 16 players involved aged between 18 and 25. Warren Zaire-Emery, one of the teenagers in the starting lineup, delivered a standout performance, scoring PSG’s fifth with a cheeky nutmeg and finish that left Montpellier’s defence flat-footed.
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Lee Kang-in, who came off the bench after being rested, wrapped up the scoring with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, ensuring a memorable night for the Parisians.
Speaking after the match, Luis Enrique hailed the performance as “perfection,” praising the collective effort of his squad. “We had 16 stars tonight, all the players who took part,” he said. “That is what we are looking for – perfection in attack and defence.”
For Montpellier, it was a night to forget. Overwhelmed from the outset, Michel Der Zakarian’s side could not match the intensity or quality of their opponents. The financial disparity between the two clubs was painfully evident, as PSG’s summer spending of 175 million euros dwarfed Montpellier’s lack of transfer activity.
With two emphatic wins in their opening games, PSG have already scored 10 goals, sending a clear message to their Ligue 1 rivals. Even with the departure of their all-time top scorer, Kylian Mbappe, the Parisians are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of an 11th French title in 13 seasons.
As PSG continue to adapt to life without Mbappe, their mix of youthful exuberance and experienced talent under Luis Enrique’s leadership is proving to be a winning formula. The future looks bright at the Parc des Princes, with this latest performance offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
