Lyon 2-4 PSG: 5 hits and flops as reigning champions go atop the league table | Ligue 1 2020-21

Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal
Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal

PSG beat Lyon 4-2 to return to the Ligue 1 summit for the first time in nine matchdays. With the victory, the Parisians have moved level on points with Lille but take the top spot owing to their superior goal difference.

Kylian Mbappe scored the opening goal for the visitors at the Groupama Stadium when he tucked one in after Marco Verratti's effort was saved. Danilo Pereira then doubled his side's advantage by volleying past Anthony Lopes.

Angel di Maria scored a free-kick at the start of the second half for PSG's third of the night. Kylian Mbappe then scored his second of the game to put the game seemingly beyond Lyon.

To their credit, though, Lyon improved in the last half an hour, with Islam Slimani and Maxwell Cornet pulling two goals back for the hosts. However, it was all too little too late, as PSG had done enough to take home three crucial points from their visit to the Groupama Stadium.

On that note, let's have a look at five hits and flops from either team in the game:


Hit: Angel di Maria (PSG)

Angel di Maria celebrates after scoring a goal
Angel di Maria celebrates after scoring a goal

Angel di Maria had an impressive outing against Lyon. He set the rhythm for his side's attack with excellent vision and energetic runs down the flank. He combined well with Marco Verratti in the centre of the park.

Di Maria also scored a great free-kick to start the second half for PSG with a bang. The Argentine international won nine duels, made four recoveries, created three chances and successfully won four tackles on the night.


Flop: Memphis Depay (Lyon)

Memphis Depay failed to make a mark on the game.
Memphis Depay failed to make a mark on the game.

Memphis Depay was virtually non-existent for Lyon against the defending champions. He was pickpocketed by Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos as the visitors had no problems containing arguably Lyon's most potent attacking threat.

Depay was good with his runs down the line but was unable to produce anything substantial. The Dutch international was taken off at the 56th minute for Islam Slimani who did a better job in taking the game to PSG.

Hit: Keylor Navas (PSG)

Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas

Keylor Navas was one of the standout performers for PSG on the night. The Costa Rican made five saves in the game; some of them were absolutely stunning.

The former Real Madrid goalkeeper ensured that Lyon did not have any chance of a comeback. Although he conceded twice, there was nothing Navas could have done to keep those efforts out.

Meanwhile, his saves proved to be the difference between the two sides at the Groupama Stadium.


Flop: Anthony Lopes (Lyon)

Anthony Lopes
Anthony Lopes

Anthony Lopes conceded four goals against PSG. Although there could have been more, Lopes could have done better.

It is true the Portuguese had no real help from his defenders, and he did make some good saves. But he could have done better for two of the four goals scored by PSG.

Lopes failed to judge Di Maria's free-kick and allowed it to creep in. Moreover, he could have done better to deal with Marco Verratti's attempt early on in the first half, which was eventually tucked in by Mbappe.


Hit: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Kylian Mbappe celebrates with his teammates.
Kylian Mbappe celebrates with his teammates.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on the night as he slotted one in from a tight angle to give PSG the lead. The Frenchman completed his brace early on in the second half when he combined well with Verratti to put the visitors firmly on the ascendancy.

In the process, Mbappe became the youngest player to score 100 goals in the Ligue 1. He is now four clear of Memphis Depay (14) atop the season's goal-scoring charts.

Mbappe has now scored 28 times in all competitions this season.

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